Neurological rehabilitation helps animals with conditions affecting the spinal cord, nerves or brain to regain strength, coordination and as much independence as possible. We work alongside your vet or neurologist, whether your animal is managed with surgery or conservatively (without surgery).
Conditions we help with
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Spinal injuries, and recovery after spinal surgery
- Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), a "spinal stroke"
- Vestibular disease: head tilt and loss of balance
- Degenerative myelopathy and other progressive conditions, to maintain mobility and quality of life
- Nerve injuries
IVDD in dogs
The discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers. Each has a tough outer layer (the annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like centre (the nucleus pulposus). In IVDD, a disc degenerates and bulges or ruptures, pressing on or damaging the spinal cord.
- Hansen type 1: the disc centre ruptures, often suddenly, although the disc has been degenerating for a while. Most common in short-legged, long-backed breeds such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Corgis and Pekingese, often between about 3 and 7 years old.
- Hansen type 2: the outer layer slowly bulges, so signs come on gradually. More common in older dogs and larger breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Dobermanns.
- Type 3 (acute non-compressive): a sudden burst of disc material, often during exercise or trauma, which bruises the spinal cord rather than compressing it.
Signs to watch for
- Back or neck pain: a hunched back, reluctance to move, crying out when touched or lifted
- Not wanting to jump or use stairs
- Wobbly, weak or "drunken" back legs, or knuckling over
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Being unable to walk
Sudden weakness, wobbliness or paralysis is an emergency. Contact your vet straight away. The sooner a dog with a suspected disc problem is seen, the more options there are.
How physiotherapy helps
Alongside your vet's treatment, physiotherapy can help manage pain (with manual therapy, laser and TENS), keep joints moving and limit muscle loss, and re-train standing, balance and walking. We also guide you through home care: crate rest, safe handling, harnesses and non-slip flooring, before and after surgery.
“Caleigh has helped us in so many ways with both our pups. Dachshunds needs extra TLC with their backs and she is just amazing with them.”
What rehab involves
Depending on your animal, that might include assisted standing and weight shifting, supported walking with a harness, balance and body-awareness exercises, EMS to keep muscles working, and a home programme that progresses as they improve.
Frequently asked questions
Should physio start before or after surgery?
It can help at every stage. Your vet will advise when it's safe to start after surgery, and we work within their guidance.
Can dogs recover from IVDD without surgery?
Some can, depending on the severity. That decision sits with your vet; physiotherapy supports both surgical and conservative (non-surgical) management.
Do you treat cats with neurological problems?
Yes. We treat cats, dogs and other animals with neurological conditions, adapting rehab to the species and the individual.
Where we work
We're a mobile practice, so we come to you: at home, at the yard or on the farm. We cover Betty's Bay, Botrivier, Gansbaai, Grabouw, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Pringle Bay, Somerset West, Stanford and Stellenbosch, and the areas around them. See our service area map.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Every animal is assessed individually, and we work alongside your vet.