What happens before the appointment?
Before a veterinary rehabilitation evaluation, Animal Therapy Center requests relevant medical records from the patient's primary veterinarian or other members of the veterinary care team.
These records help provide medical context before the appointment.
Owners should also complete any required intake or consent information requested by ATC.
What should owners think about beforehand?
One of the most useful things an owner can bring to an evaluation is a clear description of what has changed.
Consider questions such as:
- When did you first notice the change?
- Has it changed gradually or suddenly?
- Which activities have become more difficult?
- Are there certain times of day when the difference is more noticeable?
- Has the dog's willingness to participate changed?
- What activities are important to your dog and your household?
- What would you most like your dog to be able to do more comfortably or confidently?
Owners do not need to use medical terminology. Everyday observations are valuable.
Are videos helpful?
Movement at home may look different from movement in the clinic.
If there is a specific activity the dog has difficulty performing, a short video may help illustrate what the owner is describing.
Examples could include walking through the home, using stairs, getting up after rest, or another routine activity.
Videos should complement the veterinary evaluation rather than replace it.
Should owners bring medications or medical information?
Owners should make sure ATC has accurate information about the patient's current medical care.
If medications, diagnoses, procedures, or other important information have changed since veterinary records were provided, the team should be informed.
Do not stop or change medications in preparation for the evaluation unless the prescribing veterinarian has specifically instructed you to do so.
What should the dog wear?
A secure leash and collar or harness appropriate for the individual dog are generally useful for arriving and moving through the clinic.
If ATC has provided any specific instructions for the patient's appointment, owners should follow those directions.
What happens when you arrive?
At check-in, the ATC team may obtain an updated weight and other information needed for the patient record.
The evaluation then gives the rehabilitation veterinarian an opportunity to review the patient, discuss the owner's observations and goals, and assess relevant aspects of mobility and physical function.
Do owners need to know which treatment they want?
No.
Owners do not need to decide whether their dog needs an underwater treadmill, therapeutic laser, exercises, or another modality before the appointment.
That is one of the reasons the evaluation comes first.
The rehabilitation veterinarian uses the evaluation and available medical information to determine which next steps are appropriate for the individual patient.
What happens before leaving?
After the evaluation, the ATC team discusses the recommended next steps.
If additional ATC visits are recommended, the next appointment can generally be scheduled as part of the visit workflow.
Owners should leave with a clearer understanding of what comes next and have an opportunity to ask questions about the recommended plan.
