GLOSSARY
Active Range of Motion
The motion that an animal is able to move a joint through
Bioelectric Whirlpool
The bioelectric whirlpool can benefit the patients in many ways through its use of the warm water, jets, and electrical stimulation. The warm water provides many therapeutic effects and with the help of the jets, the animals receive a sort of massage which helps to increase blood flow and create relaxation. Also, the electrical stimulation that flows through the water helps the patient in various ways, depending on the level on which it is set, including benefits such as pain management, wound healing, muscle relaxation, etc.
Coxofemoral Joint
Comparable to the hip joint in humans
Coxofemoral Luxation
The dislocation, or movement out of correct placement, of the hip joint
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL)
Comparable to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans
Disuse Muscle Atrophy
The shrinking of muscles that occurs after a limb is not used for an extended period of time
Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO)
A surgery in which the top portion of the femur, or thigh bone, is removed. (An example of a case that can benefit from this type of surgery includes hip dysplasia, which is a condition that can lead to crippling lameness and severe arthritis of the joint)
Fibrosis
The formation of excessive fibrous, or tough, tissue
Fixator
Used to help in the stabilization and fixation of a fracture, or broken bone
Hemilaminectomy
A surgery performed in which a portion of the vertebral lamina, a sort of cushioning material of the spine, is removed. This surgery is often performed in animals that are experiencing numbness or weakness in their legs due to a compressed nerve. This surgery allows more room for the spinal nerve to help relieve some of the compression that is causing the numbness and weakness.
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
A common condition in which a bulging spinal disk causes pain, weakness, and varying degrees of neurologic dysfunction.
Intervertebral Disk Herniation
A condition in which the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra (the bones of the spinal column) is pushed outside of its normal position
Myelogram
A procedure using x-rays and flouroscopy, a steady beam of x-rays, that allows us to take pictures to visualize the cavity inside of the bones of the spinal canal. It is often helpful in detecting and locating any blockage that may be present in the spinal canal.
Osteophyte
A bone spur; bony projections that can form along joints causing pain and limitations in joint motion
Paraplegia
A condition in which the hind portion of an animal's body is paralyzed, or cannot move
Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
Performed by a therapist, PROM is the motion an animal moves its joint through, using an external force to move the joint. PROM helps to maintain normal range of motion of the affected joints and also prevents soft tissue contracture, or a decrease in size of the animal's soft tissue. PROM also increases blood flow to the area.
Proprioception
The ability of an animal to know the position of their joints/legs; includes position sense (the awareness of the joints at rest) and kinesthesia (the awareness of movement); an animal that does not have correct proprioception might stand with their feet knuckled over and will not correct their foot placement on their own
Proprioceptive Input Stimulation
A therapy exercise that is used in an attempt to enhance the animal's proprioception (awareness of their body parts and corresponding movement); pinching between the animal's toes to stimulate the nerves running to the feet is one example of this
Proprioceptive Testing
A type of test performed by the doctor to determine whether the animal possesses any deep pain (awareness of its feet and their position/movement); this testing usually involves pinching between the animal's toes in an attempt to cause some sort of response
Range of Motion (ROM)
Full motion that a joint may be moved through
Stifle
Comparable to the knee, or patella, in humans
Stretching
Additional pressure at the end of the available range of motion; helpful in patients with limited joint mobility; decreases elasticity of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
Therapeutic Exercises
Exercises that help to improve range of motion, flexibility, lameness, limb function, muscle strength, and endurance; examples of therapeutic exercises include passive range of motion, stretching, weight shifting, the use of physioballs and balance boards, etc.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
The goals of using therapeutic ultrasound include increasing blood flow, improving tissue nutrition, reducing pain, improving the elasticity of tough tissues, and decreasing muscle tension in the treated areas. This form of therapy is especially effective in treating dysfunctional or diseased joints as well as certain muscle diseases.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
A surgery performed to provide stability to the stifle joint, which is comparable to the knee joint in humans.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
This surgery is one of the most common treatments for hip dysplasia, which is a condition in which the hip joint fails to fit properly into its place in the joint. A triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) decreases the severity of the hip dysplasia and the progression on osteoartritis. This surgery stabilizes the hip joint by using a stainless steel plate to hold the repositioned hip in place.
Underwater Treadmill (UWT)
The underwater treadmill permits joint and muscle training at different levels; the upward force and stabilizing effects of water permit exercise even in animals with difficulty standing through the water's buoyant (uplifting) effects. Some other reasons water is so helpful in the rehabilitation patients include the following:
· The pressure on painful joints is reduced because of the body’s ability to bear less weight in water; this allows more comfortable exercise
· Muscle strengthening and cardiovascular training is achieved through the water resistance
· Water pressure can help to reduce swelling
· Many patients can perform exercises in the water that they are normally unable to on land due to the water’s buoyant (uplifting) and stabilizing effects
