There are several ways of defining the practice of physiotherapy, most of which are based on the idea that through techniques, exercises and massages, the professional is able to alleviate or assist in the recovery of pain and discomfort that compromises the quality of life and natural behavior of that animal (PRYDIE AND HEWITT, 2015 apud POLICARPO, 2023). Its applicability has a wide range of possibilities, such as preoperative preparations, post-surgical recoveries (orthopedic and neurological), musculoskeletal injuries (muscle weakness, tendonitis and the like), joint injuries (arthritis and contractures), disc disease and paresis, posture abnormalities (claudication and asymmetry), pain management, circulatory issues, palliative and geriatric care, wound healing and edema (CARVALHO, 2007 apud FILADELPHO et al, 2008).
Veterinarians who specialize in this area have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedic and neurological pathologies, as well as knowing the surgical techniques that have been or can be applied to their patients. In addition to all these aspects, when this specialty turns to wild animals it is necessary to understand the specific behavior of the species that will undergo treatment, so that the planned program is consistent with the movements and habits that the animal exhibits in the wild or in daily life with its guardians.
Another very pertinent point in physiotherapy is the various techniques that can be applied, such as electrotherapy, thermotherapy, laser therapy, kinesiotherapy and massage therapy, among others. For unconventional patients, it is possible to adapt the time and application in order to reduce the stress of animals that are not adapted to human contact. Thus, with the advance of wild animal medicine and the emergence of new surgical, palliative and drug treatments, this specialty has begun to gain strength and has become necessary in the routine of both centers that assist free-living animals and private clinics that treat unconventional pets.
A survey of wildlife received by the Federal District's Wild Animal Screening and Rehabilitation Centre (CETAS-DF) and sent to the veterinary hospital at the University of Brasilia revealed that the second most common reason for hospitalization was orthopaedic injuries, accounting for around 26.75% of cases, most of which were birds (CUNHA et al, 2022). In a retrospective study at the Federal University of Paraíba, which included non-conventional pets, it was observed that orthopaedic disorders also led the casuistry with a percentage of 18.59% in birds (SANTOS, 2022). Therefore, this scenario demonstrates how physiotherapy plays an essential role in the treatment of these animals, which undergo surgical procedures, splints or bandages; and need a specialized professional to help them recover movement, gain muscle mass or even adapt to a new reality; such as a possible total or partial amputation of a limb.
The relationship between rehabilitation and conservation is inherent and necessary if the reintroduced individual is to succeed in returning to its natural habitat and fulfilling its biological role. Thus, physiotherapy expands the animal's opportunities to recover fully or partially, so that it can perform its valuable ecological function and perpetuate the genetics of the species.
Currently in Brasilia, veterinarians Juliana Dias and Priscilla Pimentel, in partnership with the wild animal sector at the University of Brasilia, are masterfully running the Fisio Selvagem project, which has as one of its main objectives the rehabilitation of animals with neurological and orthopedic injuries that could compromise their reintegration into the wild. These professionals adapt the protocols to each patient's profile and apply various practices that seek to reduce the animal's stress when handling it. A great example is the use of falconry techniques during kinesiotherapy for birds of prey (Figure 1). Initiatives such as these generate scientific studies of great relevance in the field, directly helping to conserve species, guaranteeing the well-being of patients who need to undergo surgical procedures and generating invaluable advances for wild animal medicine.
In view of this scenario, there has been an exponential increase in the referral of unconventional patients to professionals specializing in veterinary physiotherapy. At the same time, the market is increasingly demanding improvements in specialties to meet the demands of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and wild or exotic mammals. In this way, with an increase in trained physiotherapists, studies will be expanded and it will be possible to associate well-being, conservation and respect for the individualities of each patient.
Veterinarian Priscilla Pimentel applying falconry techniques to the flight rehabilitation of roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) that underwent osteosynthesis of its left wing.
Author: Natasha Ayete La Menza
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