river pet resort & rehab
offers physical rehabilitation for dogs with orthopedic and neurologic problems.
Our Programs include aquatic and cross-training exercises, laser, massage and acupuncture.

Physical Rehabilitation
Dr. Karen Zelinski is a certified in canine physical rehabilitation. She received her veterinary degree in 1993 at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Zelinski has practiced small animal medicine for 30 years. During that time she spent several years in emergency practice. Dr. Zelinski took her certification training for canine physical rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently evaluates and treats the rehabilitation cases at river pet resort and also sees regular cases at a nearby hospital, Animal General.
Physical rehabilitation is designed to enhance your primary veterinarian's care and not to replace it. We will work closely with referring veterinarians to coordinate your pet's care. Please ask your veterinarian to email your pet's medical records before your first visit. You may call us directly to set up a consultation.
After an initial consultation. appointments can be scheduled or "drop-offs" for treatments can be arranged. Our office hours are flexible and in most cases can be altered to meet the needs of you and your pet's busy schedule.
River pet can accommodate disabled pets that require medication and monitoring. Boarding of pets for physical rehabilitation is available in our comfortable suites. Our staff can provide extensive nursing care in coordination with your veterinarian's recommendations and with our doctor's supervision.
Physical Rehabilitation programs include:
Targeted Exercises
Swimming
Land and water treadmills
Applied hot and cold techniques
Electrotherapeutic and ultrasound treatments, massage
Acupuncture
Goals of Physical Rehabilitation are to decrease pain, improve strength, decrease muscle spasm and improve daily living.
Physical rehabilitation may help pets with:
hip dysplasia
recovery from orthopedic surgery
neurologic disease
spinal/neck injury
arthritis
weight management
chronic pain
Why water therapy?
Speeds recovery following injury
Improves function and quality of life
Reduces pain and inflammation
Increases strength, range of motion & cardiovascular conditioning
Provides good cross training for the competitive athletic dog
Acupuncture
Common Questions About Acupuncture:What is acupuncture? The act of placing needles into the body at specific points.
What happens when the needle is inserted? There is a local effect at the site of needle insertion that stimulates nerves and blood flow that leads to effects in the spinal cord and brain. This cascade of events has a neuromodulatory effect that can relieve pain, improve circulation, help nerve function and relax a patient. Acupuncture can also be used into muscles to help treat trigger points (painful areas where muscle has become tense).
Is acupuncture safe? Yes, the needles are thin and sterile. Side effects are rare.
How does it feel? Acupuncture needles are very thin. Humans report feeling a pin prick, which may be followed by a dull cramp or a tingling sensation while receiving acupuncture.
What conditions can acupuncture be considered helpful in treatment?
Acupuncture can be useful in a variety of conditions in addition to traditional medical and surgical treatments.Below is a list of conditions in which to consider acupuncture.
Musculoskelatal and neurological: Arthritis Intervertebral disc disease Hip dysplasia Back pain Nerve injuries/paralysis Degenerative MyelopathyOcular disorders: KCS or Dry EyeGastrointestinal problems: IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) Diarrhea Constipation Poor appetite secondary to chronic disease Anti-nausea post chemotherapyUrinary Tract disorders: Incontinence Feline Lower Urinary Tract disorderRespiratory Disorders: Asthma Chronic upper respiratory infections.
If you are interested in discussing acupuncture for your pet please make an appointment with Dr. Zelinski at river pet resort or Animal General.
What happens when the needle is inserted? There is a local effect at the site of needle insertion that stimulates nerves and blood flow that leads to effects in the spinal cord and brain. This cascade of events has a neuromodulatory effect that can relieve pain, improve circulation, help nerve function and relax a patient. Acupuncture can also be used into muscles to help treat trigger points (painful areas where muscle has become tense).
Is acupuncture safe? Yes, the needles are thin and sterile. Side effects are rare.
How does it feel? Acupuncture needles are very thin. Humans report feeling a pin prick, which may be followed by a dull cramp or a tingling sensation while receiving acupuncture.
What conditions can acupuncture be considered helpful in treatment?
Acupuncture can be useful in a variety of conditions in addition to traditional medical and surgical treatments.Below is a list of conditions in which to consider acupuncture.
Musculoskelatal and neurological: Arthritis Intervertebral disc disease Hip dysplasia Back pain Nerve injuries/paralysis Degenerative MyelopathyOcular disorders: KCS or Dry EyeGastrointestinal problems: IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) Diarrhea Constipation Poor appetite secondary to chronic disease Anti-nausea post chemotherapyUrinary Tract disorders: Incontinence Feline Lower Urinary Tract disorderRespiratory Disorders: Asthma Chronic upper respiratory infections.
If you are interested in discussing acupuncture for your pet please make an appointment with Dr. Zelinski at river pet resort or Animal General.