Has your animal companion recently had surgery or sustained an injury?
Are you worried about how you are going to afford the Physiotherapy?
Discovering that your animal companion requires surgery is usually an unexpected event. While you may be fortunate enough to have insurance that covers the cost of the surgery (hopefully, most of it), you will likely have a co-payment. However, insurance doesn't always cover the post-surgical rehab. Often, pet-parents are "forced" to forego post-surgical physiotherapy due to the unplanned cost. Skipping physiotherapy is problematic as it could be at the expense of their pet's recovery.
Imagine you are required to undergo surgery on your back, your knee or your hips. It is almost guaranteed that you will be visited by a physiotherapist a day or two after the surgery. Upon discharge from the hospital, your surgeon will refer you to a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist for a few weeks after the surgery. Why is this? The outcomes of surgery are greatly enhanced when combined with physiotherapy. Surgeons know that physiotherapy is essential after surgery for the following reasons:
- Restoring Movement and Function: Physiotherapists will design exercises to regain mobility and strength in the affected area. The exercises will be adjusted according to the patient's progress in their recovery and will be tailored as needed.
- Reducing Pain and Swelling: Techniques such as manual therapy, modalities, massage, therapeutic laser therapy, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and therapeutic exercises help manage discomfort and inflammation.
- Preventing Complications: Physiotherapy can prevent issues such as muscle contractures, compensatory movement patterns, muscle wastage, joint stiffness, or blood clots.
- Enhancing Healing: Proper movement and rehabilitation support faster and more effective healing processes.
- Returning to Daily Activities: It prepares patients to resume normal activities safely and efficiently.
It is no different for your animal companion. After surgery, your pet's ability to return to normal function may depend significantly on the timing and type of post-surgical rehabilitation they receive. At Animal Health and Hydro, we understand that this may be cost-prohibitive. We have put together a couple of packages for common surgeries and injuries, based on the type and duration of treatment plans that, according to our many years of experience working in this field, are likely to benefit the patient most effectively. We allow qualifying clients to pay for these packages over 3, 6, 8, or 12 months at a very low interest rate, as we strive to help improve the lives of our animal companions and their pet parents.
It is important to note that all patients are unique. Their recovery and return to function are not always "textbook" perfect. There are many factors beyond our control which impact recovery. The package does not guarantee that your pet will return to full function by the end of the package. You may need to add additional sessions at the end, depending on your pet's progress in their recovery. Factors that impact recovery include the type of surgery, the surgeon's expertise, the success of the surgery, the patient's age, health, extent of injury, weight, body condition, proper exercise, and appropriate confinement post-surgery, as well as parental adherence to a home exercise program, among others.
Pet parents may want to consider a step-down facility, especially in the early days post-surgery, to ensure proper confinement and the administration of appropriate exercise during this crucial phase. Animal Health and Hydro operates a step-down facility in the West Rand, Gauteng, and works in partnership with the Mooikloof Animal Companion Centre in Pretoria to help pet parents manage their pets soon after they have been discharged from the hospital.
Download the flyers below to learn more about our post-surgical or post-injury packages and our flexible payment terms so that you can help your pet get the most out of their surgery.
