Veterinary Rehabilitation by BluePearl Ft. Lauderdale FL

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rehabilitation

24/7 Emergency and Specialty
954.641.1100
3217 NW 10th Terr. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
[email protected]
Emergency:
24/7
Specialty:
By appointment
Request Appointment

Pet rehabilitation by BluePearl.

A BluePearl sports medicine and rehabiliation technician kneels help guide a dog through a therapy course.

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our specialty team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

A collie walks on an underwater tread mill.

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A veterinarian meets with a client and her medium sized white and grey dog in a comfortable, welcoming exam room.

Request appointment

Take the next step toward answers and treatment by scheduling a specialty consultation for your pet.

Advanced veterinary expertise you can trust to restore comfort and mobility.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful. Fortunately, our veterinary rehabilitation team is made up of experts in helping pets with chronic or acute conditions. With proper rehabilitation, your pet can live longer and experience a better quality of life by speeding recovery and improving strength following surgery or an injury. 

Our commitment is not just to deliver life-changing medical care; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

A pet rehabilitation specialist guides a dog through exercises

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has a condition that limits their mobility, fitness or comfort, you’ll have an entire rehabilitation team at your side so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Chronic pain
  • Injuries of the muscles or nerves
  • Obesity and weight management
  • Arthritis
  • Complications from aging
  • Side effects from neurological conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Spinal disc/cord degeneration
  • Tendonitis

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Blood testing
  • Ultrasound
  • Radiography (x-rays)

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our rehabilitation team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Water and land treadmills
  • Massage therapy
  • Laser therapy
  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Medication therapy
A small, long-haired dog wears goggles during a procedure.
A BluePearl sports medicine and rehabilitation vet uses a device on a small dog while a vet tech helps hold it still.
A BluePearl sports medicine and rehabiliation technician kneels help guide a dog through a therapy course.
A BluePearl sports medicine and rehabilitation vet helps guide a tan and white dog through a therapy.
A BluePearl sports medicine and rehabilitation vet smiles while a dog stands by her on an underwater treadmill.
An orange striped cat walks on an underwater treadmill while a BluePearl sports medicine and rehabilitation technician guides it.

Our rehabilitation team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our rehabilitation team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other departments, too.

Carolina Medina

DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVTP, CCRT, DACVSMR, CVPP
Board Certified in Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Fort Lauderdale, FL
On the job

Dr. Carolina Medina has dedicated her career to improving mobility and quality of life for her patients by alleviating pain. Her work spans clinical practice, teaching at veterinary schools and presenting at national and international conferences.

Dr. Medina is Fear Free certified and integrates acupuncture with rehabilitation therapy to provide personalized care plans. Her special interests include pain management, osteoarthritis and senior pet care.

Education
  • Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner, International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, Canine Rehabilitation Institute, Wellington, FL
  • Certified Veterinary Tui-na Practitioner, Chi University, Reddick, FL
  • Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist, Chi University, Reddick, FL
  • Internship, Veterinary Acupuncture, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Chi University, Reddick, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
Off duty

In her free time, Dr. Medina enjoys visiting the ocean, traveling, eating, being active and spending time with her friends and family. She shares her life with Kalypso, a senior pit bull, and Kai, a black cat.

Call us at 954.641.1100

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s first visit to the rehabilitation team, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your initial visit

  • Make an appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your initial visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. 
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s treatment plan together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed therapy plan, with any at-home instructions and recommended medications. We’ll schedule their next appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for in between sessions.

After your initial visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

Veterinary rehabilitation is a specialized therapy program designed to help pets recover from injury, surgery or chronic conditions. Using techniques like physical therapy, hydrotherapy and therapeutic exercises, our rehabilitation team improves mobility, reduces pain and enhances overall quality of life for pets of all ages.
Physical therapy helps pets regain strength, flexibility and function after injuries or surgery. At BluePearl, our rehabilitation team creates individualized plans that reduce pain, restore movement and speed recovery while also minimizing or preventing future injuries.
Pets with orthopedic injuries, spinal cord or nerve issues, post-surgical recovery needs, arthritis, muscle weakness or obesity can all benefit from rehabilitation therapy. Our expert team assesses each pet to determine the best approach for their specific condition.
BluePearl offers a wide range of services, including therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill), laser therapy, electrical stimulation, massage and balance or coordination training. Each program is customized to your pet’s needs.
During a rehabilitation session, our rehab team evaluates your pet’s condition and guides them through exercises or therapies designed to improve strength, mobility and comfort. Sessions are safe, low-stress and tailored to your pet’s abilities and progress.
The timing depends on your pet’s procedure and overall health. Our rehabilitation team works closely with your surgeon to determine the safest time to start therapy, often within days to weeks after surgery, to optimize recovery.
Rehabilitation programs vary based on the pet’s condition, age and goals. Some pets require a few sessions, while others may benefit from several weeks or months of therapy. Our team continually monitors progress and adjusts the plan as your pet improves.
Our rehabilitation service has tools such as underwater treadmills, balance boards, therapeutic lasers, electrical stimulation devices and specialized exercise equipment. These support muscle strengthening, joint mobility and pain relief.
Any pet recovering from surgery, injury or managing a chronic condition like arthritis may benefit from rehabilitation. We evaluate your pet’s health, mobility and goals to determine the best therapy plan and expected outcomes.
Yes. Rehabilitation can improve mobility, reduce pain and enhance quality of life for older pets and those with arthritis. Tailored exercises, hydrotherapy and therapeutic modalities help maintain strength and function even as pets age.
Hydrotherapy, such as an underwater treadmill, allows pets to exercise without putting stress on their joints. It helps build muscle, improve balance and increase endurance, making it especially helpful for pets recovering from surgery, injury or managing arthritis.
Our rehab team provides personalized home exercise plans and guidance to help pets continue progress between sessions. Home exercises may include stretching, gentle strength training and balance activities tailored to your pet’s abilities.
You can schedule a rehabilitation consultation by calling us directly. Our team will review your pet’s medical history, assess their condition, and develop a customized therapy plan to support recovery and long-term mobility.

Success stories.

"But now, he’s this happy dog again, wagging his tail, coming over to see me. The first time he walked across the room, I was eating a quiche for breakfast. I just burst into tears because I was so proud of him. It’s been very emotional to see him go from so helpless to so strong and just happy again. It’s so nice to see my boy thriving."
Read Pickles' story.
Amanda
Amanda
"When Dr. Orenbuch sent me the video of his first steps, I cried tears of absolute joy. Quasi has been trying and working so hard, he deserves the reward of movement. Today, he is functionally independent, exercising and taking 15 minute walks every day- continuously showing improvement. His personality now shines through again, which signals to me he is feeling much better as well."
Read Quasi's story.
Rita
Rita

Make an appointment.

A veterinary technician holding a dog and smiling

Take the first step to getting your pet back to their best self – call us to speak with the rehabilitation team and make an appointment.

Prioritize your pet’s health with the experts in specialty medicine.

Call us at 954.641.1100
Request Appointment