All Cats Considered – Episode 309
Our latest episode of “All Cats Considered” welcomes back Mary Ellen Goldberg, BS, LVT, CVT, SRA, CCRVN, CVPP, VTS-Lab Animal Medicine (Research Anesthesia), VTS-Physical Rehabilitation, for part two of our discussion on feline pain management through physical rehabilitation. Building on her previous article on common conditions benefiting from physiotherapy, Goldberg now turns her focus to treatment therapies and exercises. She shares insights on techniques that can be safely taught to veterinary team members—such as massage, cryotherapy, and passive range of motion—and emphasizes how structured rehab plans can improve recovery and mobility for cats after surgery, injury, or neurologic illness.
Together with Dr. Kelly St. Denis, Goldberg highlights the importance of tailoring rehabilitation strategies to feline patients’ unique needs, stressing the mantra “less is more” when working with cats in pain. Practical topics include the use of cage cards for pain monitoring, home exercise programs to encourage owner participation, and gradual introductions to modalities like hydrotherapy. Listeners will come away with practical, evidence-based guidance for incorporating rehab into feline practice, as well as a deeper appreciation of how thoughtful, cat-centered physiotherapy can enhance both patient outcomes and caregiver bonds.
Additional Resources:
JFMS Clinical Spotlight article: Physical Rehabilitation of Cats: Part 1 – Common Conditions Benefiting from Physiotherapy
JFMSÂ Clinical Spotlight article: Physical Rehabilitation of Cats: Part 2 – Treatment Therapies and ExercisesÂ