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What to Expect

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Rehabilitation therapy often begins shortly after surgery, with many pets starting structured recovery right away. For procedures involving mobility, such as orthopedic surgery, underwater treadmill therapy typically begins within 7–14 days, depending on your pet’s healing progress. Starting rehabilitation early can play a critical role in improving outcomes and helping your pet return to normal activity. 

 

Pet rehabilitation is similar to physical therapy for people, but tailored specifically to your dog or cat’s unique needs. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition, our program focuses on restoring function, improving comfort, and enhancing overall quality of life.

 

Rehabilitation therapy may benefit pets recovering from procedures like cruciate ligament repair, as well as those managing ongoing conditions such as arthritis or tendon injuries.

 

Our goals include:

  • Improving strength in muscles and supporting structures

  • Increasing joint flexibility and range of motion

  • Reducing pain and inflammation

  • Supporting a faster, safer recovery process

 

Our Commitment to You and Your Pet

When you visit our rehabilitation team, you can expect:

  • A high level of professional skill and compassionate care

  • A collaborative approach that keeps you involved in your pet’s treatment plan

  • Clear communication to help you understand your pet’s condition and long-term care

  • Respect for your time, with a strong effort to stay on schedule

  • Transparent, straightforward pricing so you can make informed decisions

 

How You Can Support Your Pet’s Care

To help us provide the best experience possible, we ask that our clients:

  • Schedule and keep appointments, with at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations

  • Share all relevant medical history and updates

  • Communicate any questions or concerns directly with our team so we can address them promptly

 

Your Pet’s First Visit: What to Expect

Every pet’s rehabilitation journey starts with a thorough evaluation, tailored to their individual needs:

  • If your pet is experiencing discomfort without a diagnosis:
    We begin with a general evaluation. If we conclude that we need a specific diagnosis, we will offer a sedated orthopedic and neurologic evaluation. The sedation allows us to examine your pet without fear of the muscular restrictions that animals present. We will take X-rays where appropriate and necessary. After a diagnosis has been made, we will present a summary and discuss treatment options. If you are interested in rehabilitation therapy, we can complete our initial rehab evaluation at the same time.

  • If you’re seeking a second opinion:
    We’ll perform an in-depth consultation, review your pet’s medical records, and provide guidance on diagnosis and treatment options.

  • If your pet already has a diagnosis and you’re pursuing rehabilitation:
    We’ll schedule a dedicated rehabilitation evaluation. This includes gait and posture analysis, joint mobility measurements, and muscle assessments to create a customized therapy plan.

  • If you’re considering regenerative or stem cell therapy:
    An initial examination will help determine if your pet is a candidate. X-rays are required for any joint being considered for treatment, and a full orthopedic evaluation may be recommended to ensure all affected areas are identified before building a treatment plan.
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Come See Us

24041 103rd Street

Naperville, Illinois 60564

(630) 904-2020

rehab@wheatlandah.com

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Hospital Hours

M: 8am - 6pm

T: 8am - 6pm

W: 8am - 5pm

Th: 8am - 5pm

F: 8am - 5pm

Sat: Closed

Sun: Closed

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