Year of the Dog Shines Light on Man’s Best Friend

The spotlight is on man’s best friend as the start of the Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Dog.  Our furry friends don’t ask for much. Some food, shelter, a little outside time and some friendly pets on the head can be enough to make them happy.  But Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) would like pet owners to know about some of the lesser known treatments offered at the hospital that can be just as beneficial.

Owners aren’t the only ones who can suffer a slight injury when running around a park with Fido. Dogs can also suffer injuries and need surgery, and just like humans, dogs might need physical therapy after such a traumatic physical experience. The therapy program at Purdue has been around for more than three years, offering dogs and other animals the treatment they need.

“Just like in human medicine, we want our animals to have a good quality of life,” said Jessica Bowditch, RVT, CCRP, physical rehabilitation and neurology technician. “Dogs, just like humans, start physical therapy the day after a surgery. They can have physical therapy for muscle issues, to help them learn how to use their legs again, and just for exercise.”

The physical therapy room in the Small Animal Hospital offers an underwater treadmill for easier workouts or for resistance and cardio training; balance boards; physioballs; electric stimulation; and many other resources to help dogs get healthy.  Click here to view a short video that includes an interview with Jessica about the Physical Rehabilitation service.

Physical therapy is commonly recommended for post-operative and medically managed orthopedic patients, post-operative and medically managed neurological patients, patients suffering from muscle strains, obese patients, and dogs that want to improve and maintain agility.  Click here for more information.

The VTH also offers other innovative medical services, including hemodialysis for patients who have ingested poisonous toxins; a behavioral clinic for animals with dangerous or stressful behavioral problems; dental services for animals of all shapes and sizes; and exotic animal care for more unusual patients, such as sugar gliders, guinea pigs, chinchillas, fish, birds, and reptiles.

Writer(s): Megan Huckaby, Purdue News Service | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we’re sending a big “High Five” to Emma Wood, who is a Medical Oncology Client Liaison and the Client Liaison Team Lead for the Purdue Small Animal Reception Team, for the supportive energy she brings to her work every day.

In Memory: Former Veterinary Medical Library Staff Member Tonya Mull 

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that Tonya R. Mull of Lafayette, Indiana, who served as a longtime Purdue Libraries staff member, including multiple years as a staff member in the Veterinary Medical Library, passed away October 18 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East.  She was 59.

PVM Symposium Offers MOAAR Education on Medicine of Aquatics, Amphibians and Reptiles

Veterinary professionals and students gathered recently at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine to take advantage of a special opportunity to enhance their knowledge and expertise about the care and treatment of aquatic, amphibian, and reptilian species. The fifth biennial Medicine of Aquatics, Amphibians, and Reptiles (MOAAR) Symposium was held October 18–19, at Lynn Hall on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, bringing together veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, and experts dedicated to the care of exotic species.

Local Veterinary Celebration Highlights Global Veterinary Education

Going global is a popular ambition in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine as evidenced by the turnout for the college’s annual Global Engagement Fair last Friday, October 17. Held in the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall, the festive event featured international cuisine and displays about various study abroad opportunities available to Purdue DVM and Veterinary Technology students.