Frequently Asked

These are among our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see an answer to your question here, please reach out!

My vet recommended I bring my dog/cat to you. How do we start?

We’re happy to help! The first step is a consultation with our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) candidate (FOR NOW- test is in December), Dr. Sara Granberg. This functional exam takes about an hour. The doctor begins by completing a series of physical and neurological exams, as well as checking muscle mass and range of motion. We will discuss your pet’s lifestyle, mobility level, nutrition, supplements, pain scale, and both long- and short-term goals. From there, we will formulate a rehabilitation program specific to your pet based on their needs and what works for you, both time-wise and financially. The doctor will create a customized rehabilitation plan including therapeutic exercise that we will teach you to do at home. If specific therapies are recommended here at the clinic, we will schedule them around your calendar and provide you with a cost estimate so you are able to plan accordingly.

Dog on the phone GIF.

If I think my pet needs to see a rehabilitation veterinarian, can I just call MARS to schedule an appointment?

We are physical rehabilitation referral clinic, which means that the pets we treat must be referred for our care by your primary veterinarian. We act as an extension of your primary care veterinarian, providing rehabilitation services when needed.

How does MARS work with my primary care veterinarian?

We work in partnership with your primary care veterinarian to provide physical rehabilitative services when needed.

Dog fist pumping.

Can I bring my pet into MARS for routine medical care?

As a specialty physical rehabilitation practice, MARS does not provide primary medical care such as preventative/wellness medicine, vaccinations, surgical interventions, or nail trimmings. Rather, we partner with your family veterinarian to provide those services for you and your pet.

How do I get a referral?

Simply ask your primary care veterinarian for a referral. Once we receive information from your veterinarian (via fax or email: [email protected]), we will call you to set up an appointment.

GIF of dog jumping reaching for phone.

What can I expect at my pet’s first visit?

Your pet’s first visit will be a full comprehensive evaluation and will take about an hour. Our veterinarian and rehabilitation nurse will discuss your pet’s problems with you in order to form a customized rehabilitation plan specific to your pet based on goals discussed at your appointment.

Gif of smiling golden retriever dog.

How long do exams or treatments take and how often do I have to come?

Consultation exams, depending on the condition, usually take 1-1 ½ hours. Treatments typically range between 15-30 minutes and the amount of visits depends on your pet’s condition.

Does my pet need to be current on vaccines in order to receive treatment?

Yes, for the safety of our staff and patients, we require your pet to be vaccinated against Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) prior to your first visit.

Does my pet need to be flea free?

Yes, we ask that your pet is on flea prevention while in our care as not to spread fleas with other patients.

Gif of cat itching.

Can I drop my pet off for treatment and pick him/her up later?

Yes!

What is cruciate disease (ACL or CCL tear)?

The dog’s stifle, also known as the knee, is a joint that relies on a few stabilizing structures including the cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament. As the knee flexes and extends, the cruciate ligament plays an essential role in limiting the movement of the bones within the joint. The dog, unlike us, stands with it’s knee at an angle, meaning that the cruciate ligament is always under tension in order to keep the bones together. When the ligament is diseased, it frays and eventually ruptures. This results in a very unstable joint. The cause of most cruciate tears is unknown, 95% are known to be from some sort of degenerative process and only 5% are due to trauma. Joint instability causes inflammation which eventually leads to arthritis. The hamstring muscles will often spasm in an attempt to hold things together, but they cannot replace the action of the ligament. There are three main procedures performed when surgery is determined necessary: Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) both involve changing the angle of the lower bone (tibia) to alter the mechanical movement of the joint and to provide stability. The extracapsular suture technique uses a length of very strong fiber to anchor the joint. All three techniques can have excellent results but talk to a board certified orthopedic surgeon about determining the right choice for your pet. After surgery, it is important to focus on rehabilitating the associated muscles in order for the dog to return to normal function safely. Rehabilitation has been shown to improve and speed recovery after these surgical procedures and helps to get them back in action safely. Rehab also offers many additional forms of non-medicinal pain management techniques such as laser therapy, acupuncture, targeted pulse-electro magnetic field (PEMF) technology, and heat and cryotherapy.

My dog has a torn cruciate ligament (ACL or CCL) and surgery is not an option, what can we do to help?

We can help! If your pet is not a candidate for surgical repair, we have several options to help build and maintain strength in both the affected limb, and the opposite limb. We will also help to address pain, stability, and mobility in order to get you dog back to the best quality of life possible.

I am worried about cost. Is rehab affordable?

As pet owners ourselves, we understand the financial strains of caring for a pet in need of rehabilitation. With that in mind, we offer discounted treatment packages and will work with you to the best of our ability to help you afford the care your pet needs.

What does CCRP stand for?

CCRP stands for Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. This is a certificate program offered through the University of Tennessee, University Outreach and Continuing Education for veterinary and physical therapy professionals. The graduates of this program strengthen the growth of this young field of veterinary rehabilitation therapy by sharing their rehabilitation specific knowledge with other veterinarians, colleagues, and pet parents.

Contact

P: (574) 825-9578
F: (574) 825-5736
[email protected]

515 East Warren Street
Middlebury, IN 46540

Legal

Terms of Services
Privacy Policy