Zoologic companion animal rehabilitation and physical medicine.

Injury and illness in zoologic companion animals can lead to significant pain and debilitation. Recovery can be slow and sometimes frustrating. By augmenting recovery from trauma or disease with physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques, recovery can be more rapid and complete. Physical medicine techniques, such as massage, can augment recovery from a painful injury or surgery by reducing edema, improving postoperative ileus, and decreasing anxiety. Familiarity with the tools of rehabilitation along with focus on pain management, strengthening, and proprioception improve patient care.