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. Dr. Zelinski strives to provide excellent veterinary care and will work closely with your regular veterinarian when your dog is a rehab patient at river pet resort. Physical rehabilitation can help pets that are recovering from an injury or surgery, or those with chronic problems such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, nerve injury or chronic pain. We will discuss your pet's problems in detail and form a personalized plan to improve your pet's mobility. 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 also 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