Front Matter

Chapter 5 Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation 105

The following terms pertinent to implemen­
tation of the disablement model in practice
are operationally defined as described by the
World Health Organization’s International
Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and
Handicaps (ICIDH) (World Health Organization,
1997; Levine et al., 2004):

Active pathology: The interruption of or interference
with normal processes and the simultaneous
efforts of the organism to restore itself to a
normal state by mobilizing the body’s defense
and coping mechanisms (Jette, 1994).
Impairment: Any loss or abnormality of anatomic,
physiological, mental, or psychological struc­
ture or function (Jette, 1994).
Functional limitation: The restriction of the
ability to perform a physical action, task, or
activity in an efficient, typically expected, or
competent manner at the level of the whole
organism or person (Jette, 1994).
Disability: An inability to perform or a limitation
in the performance of routine actions, tasks,
behaviors, and activities in the manner or
range considered normal for that individual,
resulting from an impairment (Jette, 1994).

In rehabilitation, the impairment is addressed
through treatment interventions with the intent
to improve functional abilities (and resolve
functional limitations). Not all impairments are
functionally limiting or lead directly to disability
in all patients. For example, two Labrador
Retrievers of similar age, size, and conforma­
tion might have fragmented medial coronoid
processes resulting in restrictions in elbow
range of motion. One dog is a house pet who
rarely encounters stairs and the other works in
search and rescue and must scramble over var­
ied terrain and frequently climb piles of rubble,
stairs, and other obstacles. The loss in elbow
range of motion is a rather minor limitation to
the house pet, but is a functional limitation and,
potentially, a disability for the search and rescue
dog. Rehabilitation (as well as potential surgical
and medical) interventions would vary in these
cases, although both share the same active
pathology. Thus, it is essential for the rehabilita­
tion therapist to perform a thorough examina­
tion and evaluation to identify the impairments
that will be addressed through appropriate
rehabilitation interventions (or referral).

The rehabilitation evaluation

The rehabilitation or neuromusculoskeletal

evaluation can serve to:

● Identify the pathoanatomic source of the

patient’s pain and/or functional impair­

ments, and rule out any non‐neuromus­

culoskeletal system disease or disorder

causing the patient’s symptoms (i.e., red

flags).

● Assess the integrity and performance

(i.e.,  strength, length, flexibility) of the

involved tissues and structures as well as

surrounding tissues and structures

involved in movement.

● Determine the patient’s functional abilities,

functional limitations, impairments, and

physical performance requirements essen­

tial for full participation in their normal

physical or athletic activities.

The rehabilitation therapist can determine an

appropriate plan of care, including selection of

interventions, only following completion of a

thorough and thoughtful evaluation, critically

appraising or assessing the patient with regards

to impairments, functional limitations, and dis­

ability. Each step in the evaluation is valuable to

the end result and eventual outcome of the

rehabilitation plan of care.

The first step in the evaluation is gathering a

detailed subjective report and history, potentially

from a variety of sources, including the veteri­

narian providing referral or veterinary medical

clearance, any veterinary specialists involved

in the care of the patient, and the client. This

interview and information‐gathering will pro­

vide an initial problem list that will guide the

rehabilitation examina tion and, together, will

create a roadmap and strategy for implementa­

tion of rehabilitation interventions.

Some significant elements of the subjective

report and history include:

● Past medical history, including surgical

procedures and outcome.

● History of present illness (i.e., injury,

disorder, chief complaint, concern), includ­

ing medications and other concurrent

treatments.

● Diet and supplements.