Guidelines to Home Exercises and Lifestyle Modifications for Common Small Animal Orthopedic Conditions

Patients with osteoarthritis and other orthopedic conditions may benefit from a home exercise program, as well as lifestyle modifications based on their condition. Home exercises can be performed to improve a pet's range of motion, weight-bearing, strength, and overall mobility. A home exercise program should be designed to improve the patient's impairments, and progression of exercises should occur depending on the patient's response and ability to master each exercise. Modifications to the pet's home environment should be considered so the pet can maneuver around the house and perform its daily tasks.