What is a mobility evaluation?
A mobility evaluation helps the veterinary team understand how an individual patient is moving and functioning.
It is not based on a single observation or a predetermined treatment.
The veterinarian considers multiple pieces of information together to develop a clearer picture of the patient.
Why is medical history important?
Mobility does not exist separately from the rest of the patient's health.
Relevant medical information may include previous injuries, surgeries, diagnoses, medications, changes in activity, and other care the patient is receiving.
This is one reason ATC requests veterinary records before a rehabilitation evaluation.
The records help provide context before the veterinarian evaluates the patient in person.
Why do owner observations matter?
Owners see their dogs in situations that cannot be fully recreated during an appointment.
They may notice changes involving:
- Stairs
- Household flooring
- Getting up after rest
- Entering a vehicle
- Walking on different surfaces
- Playing
- Normal exercise
- Endurance during daily activities
These observations can help the veterinarian understand how the dog is functioning outside the clinic.
What does the veterinarian observe?
The exact evaluation depends on the patient.
The veterinarian may observe movement, physical function, posture, coordination, transitions between positions, and other aspects of mobility relevant to the individual dog.
The examination is interpreted together with the patient's medical history and the owner's observations.
Is mobility evaluation the same for every dog?
No.
The reason for the visit, medical history, age, current physical abilities, and owner goals can all differ.
A young dog recovering after surgery and an older dog experiencing gradual mobility changes may require very different considerations even though both are being evaluated for mobility.
Does an evaluation determine which equipment a dog should use?
Equipment is not the starting point.
The purpose of the evaluation is to understand the patient first.
If rehabilitation is appropriate, the veterinarian can then determine which services, exercises, modalities, or other next steps fit the individual rehabilitation plan.
What happens after the evaluation?
The veterinary team discusses the findings and appropriate next steps with the owner.
Those next steps vary by patient and may include veterinarian-directed rehabilitation, specific services, additional veterinary follow-up, or another appropriate plan.
The evaluation provides the information needed to make those decisions for the individual patient.
