Laura Romano

DVM, DACVSMR

Veterinary Specialist

Rehabilitation

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At a Glance

Practicing Since:

1994

Board Certified:

DACVSMR

Specialties Include:

Sports Medicine
Rehabilitation

My Pets:

Otis
Boomer
Hunter
George
Buddy

Dr Laura Romano specializes in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College at University of Guelph in 1994, and she began her private practice in Victoria, BC that same year. Dr Romano is returning to Victoria in 2020 after spending 20 years in Calgary as a senior partner of a multi vet practice.

Dr Romano’s interest started while she was a student at the Ontario Veterinary College. After graduation, Laura obtained her certification in chiropractic (1996), acupuncture (2003), rehabilitation (2004) and advanced training in chiropractic neurology (2007). Dr Romano authored a peer review paper on the safety of rehabilitation in 2015 and received her diplomat status in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2016. Her current interest is in improving diagnostics using ultrasound and arthroscopic imaging as well as improving therapeutics using tools such as regenerative medicine.

Publications

Safety and functional outcomes associated with short-term rehabilitation

Abstract: This retrospective cohort study using electronic questionnaires compared the perioperative complication rates of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery and the 8-week, 6-month, and 1-year functional outcomes, between rehabilitation and traditional post-operative management. Dogs were placed into 1 of 2 cohort groups based on attending veterinarian’s selected management: i) “traditional” involving restriction to cage rest and leash walking, and ii) “rehabilitation” performed by a certified practitioner. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates in the perioperative period between the 2 treatment cohorts (P . 0.1). The rehabilitation group was 1.9 times more likely to reach full function at 8 wk (P = 0.045). Conversely, the traditional group was 2.9 times more likely be categorized as having unacceptable function at 8 wk after surgery (P = 0.05). This study suggests that rehabilitation performed by a certified practitioner is safe and may improve short-term outcomes when used in the initial postoperative management for dogs treated with TPLO.

Authored: Laura S. Romano, James L. Cook

Published: Can Vet J 2015;56:942–946

Veterinary Chiropractic

Objective Abstract: Introduction: The past decade has witnessed heightened public interest in complementary and alternative veterinary therapies. Veterinary chiropractic, employed by veterinarians and chiropractors alike, is part of this emerging trend toward integration of complementary medicine with the practice of conventional animal health care.

Authored: Laura L. Taylor, Laura Romano

Published: Can Vet J Volume 40, October 1999

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the use of therapeutic exercises combined with additional modalities such as hydrotherapy, laser, shockwave, and chiropractic treatments to improve the recovery of patients with both acute and chronic conditions. Pets of all ages, sizes and breeds can benefit from rehabilitation.

Any pet suffering from chronic pain, arthritis, obesity or muscle weakness can experience an enhanced quality of life as a result of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation can restore, maintain and promote optimal function and mobility; enhance postoperative recovery; alleviate pain; improve circulation, coordination and range of motion; provide confidence and comfort in geriatric patients.

Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital offers several exciting types of physical rehabilitation therapies to help your pet's return to function after acute injuries. We can also help in the management pain and function from chronic disorders, such as arthritis, cruciate injury, and disc disease. Rehabilitation therapy is all about improving function and controlling pain. We take a holistic approach to rehabilitative therapy, addressing both the cause of the problem as well as the symptoms. Rehabilitation therapy also includes post-surgery and preventative physical conditioning. A full musculoskeletal and neurological exam is preformed to determine best treatment plan for your pet’s condition. It is important to treat not only the primary problem but also treat the compensation to that problem which can be just as painful or dysfunctional. The exam includes range of motion measurements, muscle evaluation, joint evaluation, reflexes, proprioception testing, neck and back assessment and gait analysis.

The following rehabilitation diagnostic and therapies are offered:

Chiropractic
Acupuncture
Therapeutic Exercise
Under Water Treadmill
Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
Laser Therapy
Assisi Loops (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy)
Diagnostic ultrasound
Arthroscopic visualization of shoulders
Stem cells
PRP

Please contact us for more information on our rehabilitation services.

Visit the department

Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital

760 Roderick Street

Victoria, BC V8X 2R3

Main: 250-475-2495

Fax: 250-475-1909

Hospital Hours:

Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours

Referral Services:

By appointment only

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