Do passive range of motion exercises lead to quicker postsurgical recovery of canine IVDD?

TL;DR

This paper investigates whether passive range of motion exercises help dogs recover faster after spinal surgery.

Contribution

The study evaluates the effectiveness of passive range of motion exercises in post-surgical recovery for canine IVDD.

Findings

There is no evidence PROM exercises speed up recovery in dogs with IVDD.

Current data lacks specific guidance on effective rehabilitation techniques for postoperative IVDD in dogs.

A multimodal rehabilitation approach is suggested for better outcomes.

Abstract

In canine patients recovering from surgery for intervertebral disc disease, do passive range of motion exercises, compared to no intervention, lead to a shorter or faster rate of recovery?

Treatment.

Five studies (two randomised controlled trials, two retrospective cohort studies and one retrospective case series) were critically appraised.

Weak.

There is no evidence that passive range of motion (PROM) exercises are associated with a quicker postsurgical recovery in the canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) patient.

There is a lack of evidence about specific rehabilitation techniques for the postoperative canine IVDD patient. Based on the current data, a multimodal approach, including basic and intense rehabilitation techniques is suggested.