Physical Rehabilitation for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses by Mary Ellen Goldberg Julia E. Tomlinson & Julia E. Tomlinson

Author:Mary Ellen Goldberg,Julia E. Tomlinson & Julia E. Tomlinson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781119017370
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Published: 2017-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

Modifying the Home Environment

As stated earlier, environmental enrichment is very important. Home modifications may or may not be necessary to aid mobility depending on pet size and the amount of assistance needed. Preventing slipping in low traction areas is necessary. A simple solution is rugs or runners placed on the floor surface. Ensure that the rug grips the floor and does not slide with the pet. Inexpensive mats and runners are available from home improvement stores. Confining the disabled patient is strongly advised when supervision is not available. A small room with high traction flooring and low to no furniture is ideal if the patient has some mobility. Yoga mats can provide temporary flooring with grip. A crate or kennel is advised for pets with inadequate or no motion in the rear limbs who pull themselves around dragging the rear (“scooting”). This confinement helps to avoid the scooting motion becoming the “normal” efficient gait for the pet, so reducing motivation to ambulate on four legs, even with assistance. Baby gates can be used to prevent access to stairs and to confine a pet to a small room. Higher barriers, such as a screen door, may be needed for larger and stronger pets. Ramps can be useful if a home has just a few stairs and also can be used for getting into the car. Be cognizant of the incline and choose a suitable length of ramp. Carts are a great way of improving patient mobility, however owners need to be mindful of the width of the cart and wheels compared to the home hallways and potential limitations of actual space needed to maneuver a cart in the home. It may be better for carts to be used outside only.

Other owners of disabled pets are a great resource for home care tips. In our clinic we asked owners of long‐term disabled pets to help us to prepare an “at home” guide to caregiving. This helped us to gain a fresh perspective and we prepared a handout for owners (Box 13.3).

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