Hi again-
If you haven’t noticed with my pictures- I really do love animals! I know there are PTs out there that have worked in healing animals who have broken extremities (ie: racehorses)- but are there OTs out there who are interested in this? Or better yet, actually DO this kind of therapy?
I know when dogs are either abused or injured, for example, sometimes they could use some therapy to get back on their feet and a little bit of neuro-re-education for any nerve damage. Therapy might help improve their gait patterns post surgery/injury.
I used to volunteer with Hippotherapy – and it was great because I was able to be around horses all the time – with the benefit of helping children. However, I would love to know anyone’s experience if they have actually done work just with animals.
For those of you who don’t know what hippotherapy is- it is using horses as a mode of treatment for children with a spectrum of disabilities including but not limited to Autism, cerebral palsy, and general learning disabilities.
The children are placed on a horse (who is guided by a volunteer) and the horse walks through the stable. The proprioceptive input the children recieve from the movement of the horse- can then focus their attention on something else such as what the OT is working on.
Many times after Hippotherapy, the children will then go into a “fine motor room” where the OT is able to work on table top activities because the child is so focused after they get off the horse. It’s actually really fascinating to watch!
Anyway- back to my original thought- are there any OTs or ANYONE who is reading this that works on rehabilitation TO animals who have been injured?
I would love to hear about it! And please..start your own blog too while your at it!
Thanks!
Annie
0 Comments.