Cavaletti Rails

If your pet has sustained an injury or has undergone surgery for a medical problem, he may be referred for rehabilitation services. The goal of rehabilitation therapy for pets is to regain functional ability, optimize the movement of all body parts in harmony with one another and improve your pet’s overall quality of life.

Pet rehabilitation takes many different forms with physical therapy being extremely effective. Cavaletti rails have been shown to be extremely effective in many pet rehabilitation programs, including those for cats and dogs.

What Are Cavaletti Rails?

Cavaletti rails are a course of horizontal poles, placed at various heights and certain distances apart. The exact spacings can be changed depending on the needs of your pet, and the course tends to get made more challenging as he progresses through his rehabilitation. The way that cavaletti rails work is by prompting your pet to lift up his legs and walk over the poles. This requires your pet to have awareness of where he is placing his feet as well as coordination and balance. By encouraging your pet to use cavaletti rails you can:

• Challenge your pet’s balance

• Improve his functional range of motion

• Improve his ability to shift weight from limb to limb

• Normalize his gait

• Rebuild his muscle

• Lengthen his stride

• Improve his coordination

• Give him exercise

• Build his confidence, something which is particularly important if he has suffered an injury that has impacted his ability to move around normally

Cavaletti rails aren’t only used in forms of physical therapy. Many training and agility classes also incorporate them into their routines because of the benefits that they offer.

Would My Pet Benefit From Cavaletti Rails?

Cavaletti rails have been found to be beneficial in the rehabilitation of pets with many different issues including:

• Arthritis

• Joint injury

• Limb injury

• Fractured bones

• Degenerative disc disease

• Canine cognitive dysfunction

• Neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Wobbler’s Syndrome and Degenerative Myelopathy

• Older pets who are less steady on their feet

If you would like to find out more about the use of cavaletti rails, our knowledgeable team at Elizabeth Veterinary Clinic Inc. in Roselle, NJ would be happy to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch (908) 245-7853.