BUSINESS TRENDS
Innovation in Veterinary Rehabilitation: typography
Appreciating the Past & Embracing the Future
brown dog with tongue sticking out
By Christine Jurek, DVM, MSIVM-C
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ne certainty in life is change. Growth and development are integral to our field, and our cutting-edge practitioners are skilled at adjusting to and embracing new technology. One of the most exciting advances in veterinary rehabilitation has been adopting artificial intelligence (AI) devices.

A Brief History
Veterinary rehabilitation techniques were used in ancient times, but there is little documentation of exact practices. Egyptian hieroglyphs depict massage being applied to horses. In Ancient China, Tui-Na techniques were used for people and horses, similar to massage and manual therapy. Hydrotherapy also improved fitness and strength in racing horses in ancient Europe.

One of the first early adopters of modern physical therapy techniques was Sir Charles Strong, a British physiotherapist tending to Lord Luis Mountbatten. Lord Mountbatten asked him if a therapy device being used on him could also be used on his polo ponies. Strong tried it and successfully returned two lame horses to soundness. After this, he began treating animals (mainly horses) for the royal family and was later knighted for his contributions to human and animal medicine.1

The practice of veterinary rehabilitation experienced much worldwide growth in the 1980s and 1990s, with formal organizations being chartered and coursework created to train veterinarians and physical therapists to develop their skills. As the practice grew, so did the recognition that this should be a standard of animal care and not just an “alternative” to mainstream medicine.2

In 2010, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties provisionally recognized the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, with full recognition in 2018. Rehabilitation today continues to grow and develop and is often the gateway for multimodal pain management in equine and canine patients.3

Enter AI
Practitioners’ most valuable and crucial patient evaluation and treatment tools are their hands and brains—even AI is not a good substitute for thorough palpation. However, it can provide additional information that can streamline the process and reinforce clinical skills in novice practitioners. For instance, AI can analyze data from wearable devices to assess motion, posture and muscle firing patterns, which can be early indicators of injury. While AI can aid in the early identification of risk and injury prevention, it’s important to note that it’s not a replacement for the expertise of a skilled practitioner.

Innovative devices have taken a crucial role in veterinary rehabilitative care. These tools, such as lasers for photobiomodulation therapy, extracorporeal shockwave machines, pulsed electromagnetic field devices and underwater treadmills, have significantly improved patient care. As the field continues to advance, we have new AI-driven options that can help us evaluate our patients, providing a level of care that was previously unimaginable.

The following are examples of technology already being utilized in animal rehabilitation:

Stance Analysis:

labrador dog with feet highlighted

Early adaptation involved standing a quadruped patient on four identical scales. Now, we have several devices on the market that will read and analyze weight-bearing on all four limbs and average the values obtained while eliminating outlying figures.

Gait Analysis:

side view of cat walking with multicolored arrows pointing left
Rather than relying on our eyes (and now video recordings that can be slowed down for analysis), we have the capability of using a long mat which will track patient footfalls and analyze whether the gait is normal or abnormal and how it deviates (most devices also incorporate stance analysis). New wearable devices applied to the limbs can be used at home to generate information in a more natural setting.

Wearable Activity trackers:

front view of dog walking with graphic of waves emitting from him
These are more commonly utilized to collect data for orthopedic pain management studies. This is critical to the scientific validation of some outcomes that cannot be otherwise measured.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the advancements in training techniques and equipment, there is a growing focus on AI’s potential in sports and performance animal management. AI could also be used as a more objective means of assessing when it is appropriate to increase challenges and return to previous activity, with the assurance that the patient is not likely to re-injure. Adapting AI for racing and performance animals could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality and increase financial savings.

AI algorithms and 3D printing may also eventually be used patient-side to fabricate customized, fully biomechanically compatible assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, orthotics and prosthetics. Additional adaptations can be used to determine custom fitness programs based on wearable feedback devices. These may also help assess the appropriateness of increasing activity and exercise intensity based on functional patterns analysis.

Veterinary rehabilitation has a rich history, and its growth in the last several decades has been substantial. The increased acceptance, driven by research and scientific explanation, is a testament to our progress in our field. While it can still be a complex and challenging practice, with much subjective information driving the decision-making process, the future is promising. With the advent of new tools and technologies, we are better equipped than ever to provide superior patient care, which we can all be proud of.

References:
  1. Calatayud, M. (2019, August 2). A royal history of animal physiotherapy. HISTORY.PHYSIO. https://history.physio/a-brief-history-of-animal-physiotherapy/
  2. Nolan, R Scott. Pet Rehab Becoming Mainstream Practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Oct 1:235(7):798-9.
  3. American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. History. https://www.vsmr.org/history/
Christine Jurek headshot
Dr. Christine Jurek received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University. She spent six years in general practice before joining the staff at Thrive Pet Healthcare partner TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, Illinois. She has been practicing full-time canine rehabilitation for over 22 years with certifications in Canine Rehabilitation (CCRT), Acupuncture (IVAS), and Chiropractic (AVCA), and recently, she completed her Master’s in Integrative Veterinary Medicine- Canine (MSIVM-C) from Chi University. Dr. Jurek has numerous published works and lectures on rehabilitation and integrative medicine.
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