Pilot Study on Feasibility of Sensory-Enhanced Rehabilitation in Canine Spinal Cord Injury

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.921471 · Published: June 14, 2022

Neurology Veterinary Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of incorporating sensory stimulation into rehabilitation programs for dogs recovering from spinal cord injuries. It explores whether adding tactile (touch-based) and auditory (sound-based) exercises to a standard rehabilitation routine is feasible and safe. The research involved using artificial grass for tactile stimulation and a floor piano for auditory stimulation during exercises like passive range of motion, assisted standing, and assisted walking. The goal was to see if these sensory enhancements could be easily performed and tolerated by the dogs. The study found that both tactile and auditory modifications were feasible and safe to include in a rehabilitation program for dogs with spinal cord injuries. Owners and dogs generally tolerated the exercises well, although some limitations and preferences were noted.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

24 non-ambulatory dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE)

Evidence Level

Pilot study, prospective, randomized, unblinded, cross-over design clinical trial

Key Findings

1
Auditory and tactile modifications are feasible and safe to incorporate into a standardized rehabilitation protocol for dogs with TL-IVDE.
2
Artificial grass was generally preferred by both owners and dogs compared to the floor piano surface, although this preference was influenced by which surface was used first.
3
Dog behaviors unrelated to the surfaces, such as boredom or distractibility, contributed to challenges in performing the exercises.

Research Summary

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of incorporating tactile- and auditory-enhanced exercises into a standardized post-operative rehabilitation protocol for dogs with TL-IVDE. The study used artificial grass and a floor piano to provide sensory stimulation during exercises. The results indicated that both tactile and auditory modifications were feasible and safe to incorporate into a standardized rehabilitation protocol. All modified exercises could be performed, and compliance was high. The study also found that the artificial grass was preferred by owners and dogs compared to the floor piano, but this preference was influenced by the order in which the surfaces were used. The study highlights the potential for larger efficacy studies.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Protocol Design

Sensory-enhanced exercises can be considered for inclusion in post-operative rehabilitation protocols for dogs with TL-IVDE.

Surface Selection

Artificial grass may be a more favorable surface choice for initial rehabilitation exercises due to its texture and perceived comfort for dogs.

Owner Education

Addressing potential behavioral challenges, such as boredom or distractibility, is crucial to ensure compliance and optimize the benefits of at-home rehabilitation programs.

Study Limitations

1
The study lacked a control group, making it difficult to assess the true efficacy of the sensory-enhanced exercises.
2
The short length of the artificial grass and floor piano surfaces limited the types of exercises that could be performed.
3
Owner and dog preferences for the surfaces were influenced by the order in which they were used, potentially skewing the results.

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