Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Expect?
- An initial consultation includes an examination and differential diagnoses determined by a licensed veterinarian with rehabilitation certification. These consultations typically last about 60 minutes and will also include any appropriate manual therapy (range of motion, massage), and demonstration of a therapeutic exercise plan with examples for continued home care. If indicated, a complimentary laser therapy session is also included with the initial consultation.
- Progress or follow-up consultations are usually about 30 minutes and include appropriate manual therapy and updated therapeutic exercises and treatment plan.
- A progress report will be sent to the pet owner, primary care veterinarian, and specialist veterinarian (if any) after each visit to ensure continuity in patient care.
How Often Will My Pet Need Rehab?
Depending on the underlying condition, most patients benefit from weekly or bi-weekly treatment for the first month after initiating a rehabilitation plan. Patients are typically re-evaluated on a monthly basis to determine the individual patient’s response to therapy and thus the recommended frequency of continued treatment. Commonly with post-operative therapy, the frequency of rehab sessions declines after the first month, and most are complete by 12 weeks after surgery.
What Is the Cost of Treatment?
- Payment is expected at the time services are provided. We currently accept cash, check, Paypal, Venmo, or credit cards.
- Many pet insurance plans offer coverage for rehabilitation services. Check with your individual provider for details.
- For our current pricing, please click here.
Will You Treat Patients with Laser Therapy without a Consultation?
Laser Therapy (photobiomodulation in medical terms) can be a great component to a rehabilitation therapeutic plan for patients with underlying inflammatory conditions (such as after surgery or with evidence of osteoarthritis). However, it is not as beneficial to the patient as a stand-alone therapy, and therefore is only provided as an additional service as part of an overall rehabilitation consultation session.
What Patients Do You Treat?
At this time, Dr. Heider treats dogs and cats, but other species may be considered on an “as needed” basis.