{"id":476,"date":"2016-01-08T19:39:36","date_gmt":"2016-01-09T00:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarynurse\/?post_type=articles&p=476"},"modified":"2022-01-25T15:09:33","modified_gmt":"2022-01-25T15:09:33","slug":"veterinary-technicians-and-neurologic-rehabilitation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/neurology\/veterinary-technicians-and-neurologic-rehabilitation\/","title":{"rendered":"Veterinary Technicians and Neurologic Rehabilitation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adapted with permission from the <\/em>2015 Tampa AAHA Yearly Conference Proceedings \u00a9American Animal Hospital Association (aaha.org<\/a>).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Conditions that require neurologic physical rehabilitation in humans include stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury.1<\/sup> Physical rehabilitation therapy is beneficial and effective to help return or improve function lost as a result of these conditions in some patients.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

Neurologic disease is unique in that physical therapy has a critical role in maintenance and recovery of function. Dysfunction of the nervous system can cause loss of motor and autonomic function and a range of sensory abnormalities, including loss of sensation (analgesia), abnormal sensations (paresthesia), and heightened sensitivity to stimuli (hyperesthesia).3<\/sup> Articles in the veterinary literature support the usefulness of rehabilitation in recovery from neurologic injury and nonsurgical management of neurologic conditions.4<\/sup> Several neurologic disorders affecting small animals are amenable to rehabilitation, including paresis, muscle atrophy, muscle contractures, pressure ulcers, and pain.4<\/sup> Additional indications include postoperative rehabilitation (e.g., intervertebral decompression surgery), central or peripheral nerve injuries, wobbler syndrome, fibrocartilaginous embolism (e.g., type III disc disease), degenerative myelopathy (management of current presenting signs), and balance\/vestibular problems.5<\/sup><\/p>\n

The Role of Veterinary Technicians<\/h2>\n

As part of the veterinary rehabilitation team, credentialed veterinary technicians, under the supervision and direction of licensed credentialed rehabilitation veterinarians, are an integral part of caring for hospitalized recumbent or neurologic patients. Although technicians can work in this field without being credentialed, the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians strongly discourages this practice. Rehabilitation veterinarians examine patients and determine the best treatment options for each patient. Rehabilitation technicians then carry out prescribed therapies. They also play an integral role in educating clients and communicating with clients about daily progress. Troubleshooting technique with the prescribed exercises and discussing pain management with supervising veterinarians help ensure that treatment plans are effective.<\/p>\n

Physical rehabilitation during recovery from neurologic disorders is important not only for strengthening and increasing flexibility but also for reducing pain and improving quality of life.6<\/sup> Understanding the potential complications and risks\u2014and implementing strategies to minimize them\u2014can reduce the duration of hospitalization, improve patient comfort, and promote faster return to function. Rehabilitation practitioners or therapists perform neurologic examinations to document patients\u2019 current neurologic status and become familiar with individual animals\u2019 response to therapies to measure progress. Neurolocalization and determination of the severity of the lesion and pain status are the primary focus of the examination. Deep pain sensation, ability to stand and support weight, duration of disease, and presence of motor and bowel\/bladder function are key factors influencing prognosis for recovery.4<\/sup><\/p>\n

Establishing Recovery Goals<\/h2>\n

Short-term goals are the component skills established at each phase of rehab that are needed to attain long-term goals. Short-term goals are essentially subskills required for basic daily functional needs (e.g., sitting upright, toileting, eating or drinking with minimal or no assistance) and help identify specific areas of limitation. Establishing patient needs though goal setting helps formulate the at-home treatment plan given to clients.7<\/sup><\/p>\n

Long-term goals define the patient\u2019s expected level of performance at the end of the rehabilitation process. Technicians note the amount of independence, assistance, supervision, and equipment or environmental adaptation necessary to ensure the safety of pets and clients. Understanding which problems can be addressed and influenced, and which cannot, is crucial in defining realistic expectations.<\/p>\n

Risks Affecting Hospitalized Recumbent or Neurologic Patients<\/h2>\n

Rehabilitation therapy for neurologic patients places a profound emphasis on nursing and supportive care to protect the patient from complications and preserve tissue strength and function during the recovery period.8<\/sup> Several adverse conditions can affect these patients (BOX 1)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

BOX 1<\/strong> Conditions Adversely Affecting Hospitalized Recumbent or Neurologic Patients9<\/sup><\/div>
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