MEND

Veterinary Rehabilitation

Hands with Heart

What is Canine Veterinary Rehabilitation?

Veterinary rehabilitation is a branch of veterinary medicine focused on restoring mobility, strength, and comfort in dogs (and cats) recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic conditions.

With veterinary expertise at its core, rehabilitation draws on in-depth knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, pain physiology, surgical procedures, and disease processes. This allows for precise assessment, tailored exercise prescription, and the ability to recognise when healing is progressing as expected — or when further evaluation or adjustment is needed.

We are owned and operated by a qualified veterinarian who is an advanced practitioner in rehabilitation with a Membership to the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Our treatments combine clinical knowledge with hands-on care, using therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and targeted modalities to support tissue healing while protecting joints, muscles, and surgical repairs.

Every programme is individually designed, evidence-based, and paired with practical guidance for owners. The goal isn’t just recovery: it’s helping your pet move well, stay strong, and enjoy a better quality of life long-term.

Which pets will benefit from Veterinary Rehabilitation?

Mend Veterinary Rehabilitation supports dogs across Wellington and the surrounding region who may benefit from structured, vet-led rehabilitation therapy, including:

  • Dogs recovering from cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery
  • Dogs and cats recovering from orthopaedic surgery or fracture repair
  • Dogs and cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis
  • Dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia
  • Dogs recovering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
  • Sporting and agility dogs returning to training or competition following injury
  • Dogs experiencing recurrent lameness or unexplained performance decline
  • Dogs showing stiffness, reduced mobility, or difficulty rising
  • Senior dogs needing support to maintain strength, comfort, and independence

And more...

Our Services

Post-Surgical and Post-Injury Rehabilitation

Veterinary Support For Recovery and Healing

Strengthening and Fitness Training

Canine Strength & Mobility Programmes

Rehabilitation Assessments

Tailored Physical Rehabilitation Examinations

Our Process

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Bookings

Once your appointment is confirmed, with your consent we will obtain your pet's full medical records. Prior to the appointment we will do a thorough medical history review, including details about your pet’s current medications, previous injuries, surgeries, and any ongoing health concerns or medical conditions. This detailed review process enables us to fully understand any chronic conditions, injuries, or compensatory mechanisms that may impact your pet's progress.

Referral is not required for an appointment. 

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Assessment

On the day, we will start the appointment with a meet and greet to discuss your pet's current needs. Following this, a full assessment will be performed. This will include:

  • Gait and posture analysis
  • Full musculoskeletal examination
  • A neurological examination
We will also perform additional diagnostics as indicated, including:

  • Video gait analysis
  • Muscle mass measurements
  • Pain and mobility scoring
  • Joint range-of-motion (goniometry) measurements
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Treatments

We will always ensure that your goals align with the treatment outcomes we are striving for. Our rehab vet will design a customized rehabilitation plan that includes physical therapy exercises, manual therapy, modalities like laser therapy, and recommendations for home care or further treatments.

Every pet gets an individualised home exercise plan with videos for reference.

Modalities we offer include:
  • Class 4 Laser therapy
  • TENS & NMES (electrical stimulation therapy)
  • Cryocompression Therapy, and more
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Follow-Ups

Most dogs and cats require multiple visits to ensure optimal care. The nature of the injury or mobility goal will dictate how many appointments are required, but we will always work with you to make this a manageable number of visits. Follow-up appointments are essential for assessing your pet's progress and allowing any necessary adjustments/progressions to the prescribed home exercises or care regimen. This comprehensive approach ensures that both dogs and cats receive personalized and effective treatment tailored to their specific needs.

In-Home Veterinary Rehabilitation in Wellington

Mend Veterinary Rehabilitation is a mobile clinic, bringing our services to the comfort of your home. Providing rehabilitation in a dog’s home environment allows exercises to be tailored to the individual home-environment and lifestyle, while reducing stress for both dogs and owners.

If you’re unsure whether veterinary rehabilitation is right for your dog, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss their needs or book an assessment.

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