Weight Bearing Exercise

Weight bearing exercise works to improve the amount of weight your pet can place on the affected limb. Pets that have undergone orthopedic surgery should gradually increase their weight on the affected limb. Weight bearing exercises are also used for arthritic and neurologic conditions. The benefit for your pet is faster recovery from surgery or injury, increased strength, greater range of motion, and better motor function.

A variety of exercises and techniques are used to encourage weight bearing through balance and proprioception. These include wobble board, balance boards, and balance balls. Active exercise-walking, sit-to-stand, dancing, wheelbarrowing, stairs, trotting, cavaletti, rail walking, treadmill walking.