Precious Paws Rehab

by Sandy Phillips

Precious Paws Rehab Facility

Tucked in the tiny town of Berlin is the Precious Paws Rehab facility. Now the only veterinary rehab facility on Maryland's Lower Shore, this service offers an underwater treadmill, stance analyzer, class IV laser therapy, acupuncture, massage, and more. The modalities are all under one roof and all under the supervision of Dr. Annie Flood.

Dr. Flood completed her veterinary degree at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech and is a certified Canine Rehab Practitioner via the University of Tennessee, and is a canine acupuncturist. "The facility can help dogs with a variety of problems, including senior dogs with pain management. Physical therapy can often be an alternative to the long-term use of pain medications, or they can use them with less frequency with the practice of certain exercises," says Dr. Flood. "

"We offer help with soft tissue injuries, neurological challenges, and rehab after an ACL repair, and those are just a few examples of conditions we can assist with." The rehab focus is on regenerative medicine - offering a blended plan of traditional veterinary medicine and alternative therapies that provide the best outcome for the dog. New technology is integrated as well, including things like platelet-rich plasma for injuries.

You can expect "take-home" exercises to maximize your dog's recovery; perhaps you will be assigned massage techniques for your dog or learn how to position your dog for stretching correctly. These activities are part of the program for maximizing healing. All things that will help them feel more comfortable during the healing process and ultimately deepen your relationship with your dog as you aid them on their recovery journey.

While just opening in August 2019, Dr. Flood already has her sights on the addition of future modalities, including therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave therapy, and arthroscopy, all treatments that will open new doors for dogs with physical challenges on the Lower Shore.

Do you have a senior dog at home with difficulties getting around? One of the things we like here is that you can pick up your phone and make an appointment for a consultation. While you may need to have x-rays transferred from your primary vet for review by Dr. Flood; you don't have to have a formal referral to have your pet seen.

There has been much success with alternative treatments for dogs today. Perhaps your dog would benefit from exploring this exciting new facility.

Precious Paws Animal Hospital also has a full-service veterinary clinic in Bethany Beach/Ocean View, Delaware, and an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited facility located on route 50 in West Ocean City.

Hydrotherapy tank at Precious Paws Rehab in Berlin, MD

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