Canine Rehabilitation Certification Track

This course teaches veterinarians how to diagnose neurological and musculoskeletal deficits and implement comprehensive rehabilitation plans for canine patients

United States
English
Chi Main Campus in Reddick, FL
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Program Overview

The CCRV (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinarian) Program is a progressive, RACE-accredited course extending 126 hours, specifically designed for veterinarians and veterinary students. This program offers an in-depth exploration of the principles underlying the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions causing pain, lameness, and reduced mobility in dogs. It aims to effectively manage pain, enhance functional capabilities, and boost the overall health and well-being of dogs suffering from a variety of health challenges, such as diseases, disorders, or injuries.

A significant feature of the CCRV Program is its emphasis on practical skills, which are developed through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions. They are delivered by well-known boarded sports medicine and rehabilitation specialists (DACVSMR) and seasoned rehabilitation veterinarians (CCRP, CCRT, CCRV). The curriculum is structured into four modules spread across seven months, blending two online learning modules with two hybrid hands-on modules. Online modules are accessible for streaming on-demand for approximately three months each, allowing flexibility in learning. The hands-on modules are conducted at Chi University's Main Campus in Reddick, FL, and also at partner institutions and countries, including the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Canada, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, offering a blend of convenience and immersive learning for participants keen on mastering veterinary rehabilitation practices for canines.

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Program Objectives

  • Synthesize knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and pathology to enhance or restore patient mobility and function.
  • Conduct comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation, including gait and posture assessment, and neurological and orthopedic exams, to support accurate diagnosis and the development of optimal care plans.
  • Adopt a holistic, personalized, and multifaceted approach to patient care, crafting an in-depth treatment and rehabilitation program specific to the unique requirements and conditions of each patient.
  • Address and alleviate injuries and pain associated with athletic activities and sports medicine, employing preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Program Highlights

Applied Locomotion and Biomechanics for Rehabilitation

Applied Myology, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, and Behavior in Rehabilitation

Pain Pathophysiology and Assessment

Comprehensive Multimodal Strategies for Pain Management

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Functional Assessment and Outcome Measurement

Rehabilitation Strategies for Neurological and Orthopedic Disorders

Rehabilitation Strategies for Internal Medicine Conditions

Core Training, Conditioning, and Injury Prevention in Canine Sports

Manual Therapy: Mechanisms, Effects, and Techniques

Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Assistive Devices

Multispecies Rehabilitation: Cats, Small Mammals, and Wildlife

Regenerative Medicine and Joint Injection Techniques

Importance of Clinical Pathology and Zoonoses in Rehabilitation

Business Strategies for Rehabilitation Practice

Canine Rehabilitation Certification Track

Taught in English

For veterinarians and veterinary students only

126 RACE-approved CE hours

Curriculum

Introduction to Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

History of Canine Rehabilitation and Legal Issues

1h

Introduction to Physical Therapy Terminology and Outcome Measurements

1h

Applied Exercise Physiology in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

Canine Gait and Posture

1h

Applied Nutrition in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

Applied Behavior in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

How to Perform a Neurological Exam

1h

Common Neurological Conditions

2h

How to Perform an Orthopedic Exam

1h

Common Orthopedic Disorders from Head to Toe

2h

Imaging in Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine: Elbow

1h

Imaging in Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine: Hip Dysplasia

1h

Imaging in Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine: Skeletal Diseases in Young Dogs

1h

Pain Physiology and Assessment

2h

Wound Healing Strategies

1h

Review of Head, Cervical and Thoracic Limb Musculature

1h

Review of Abdominal, Dorsal and Pelvic Limb Musculature

1h

The Business of Canine Rehabilitation

1h

Canine Anatomy: Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System

3h

Evidence of Benefits of Therapeutic Exercise

1h

Land Exercises

2h

Thermotherapy

1h

Hydrotherapy

2h

Electrotherapy

2h

Therapeutic Ultrasounds

1h

Electromagnetic Therapy

1h

Shockwave Therapy

1h

Manual Therapy

2h

Laser Therapy

2h

Lab: Neck & FL Muscles

4h

Lab: HL & TL Spine Muscles

4h

Lab: Landmarks & Flexibility Assessment

2h

Putting it Together: Development of Rehab Plans

Onsite Hands-on Lab: a minimum of 25 hours involving topics as follows:

Building Muscles: Front Limb, Hind Limb, and Paraspinal Muscles

Rehab Assessment: Gait, Posture, Position Transfer

Rehab Assessment: Anatomy Landmarks, PROM, End-Feel, Goniometry, Joint Play, Muscle Flexibility & Circumference, Muscle Strength Test, Myofascial Exam, etc

Orthopedic Exam (Valgus/Varus, Biceps Stretch, Campbell’s, Medial Shoulder Instability, Cranial Drawer, Tibial Thrust, Modified Tibial Thrust, Iliopsoas stretch, Ortolani, Baden’s, etc)

Neurologic Exam (Postural Reactions, Spinal Reflexes, UMN vs LMN, Neuroanatomical Localization, etc)

Manual Therapy (Stretching, Joint Compression, Joint Traction, Joint Glide, Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Cross Friction, Myofascial Release, Ischemic Compression, Trigger Point Release, etc)

Therapeutic Exercises: Isometric/Concentric/Eccentric, Phases of Rehabilitation, Warm-Up & Cool-Down, FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type), Fatigue/DOMS, Exercises for Sensory & Motor Input Activation, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Weight Bearing, Balance, Proprioception, ROM, Strength & Core, Targeted Muscles, etc

Hydrotherapy: Underwater Treadmill

Introduction to Canine Sports

1h

Canine Kinematics and How It Relates to Performance

1h

Canine Locomotion and Gait Re-training Strategies

1h

Core Training and Conditioning for Canine Athlete

1h

Common Canine Sports Injuries: Causes, Rehabilitation, Recovery and Prevention

1h

Pharmacological Management of Pain

1h

Non-pharmacological Management of Pain

1h

Rehabilitation for Acute Post-operative Management

1h

Rehabilitation for Common Orthopedic Disorders

4h

Rehabilitation for Common Neurological Disorders

3h

Rehabilitation for Geriatric Patients

1h

Rehabilitation and Nursing Care for Recumbent Animals

2h

Choosing Devices for Ambulation Assistance in Rehab Patients

1h

Rehabilitation for Hospice, Palliative, and Cancer Care

1h

Rehabilitation for Other Internal Medical Conditions

1h

Thinking Out of the Box: Unusual Cases that Benefit From Rehabilitation and Some That Do Not

1h

Feline Rehabilitation

1h

Nutraceuticals, Supplements, and Herbals

1h

Regenerative Medicine

2h

Obesity

1h

Lab Values in Canine Rehab and Their Role in Clinical Decision-Making for Rehab

1h

Zoonotic and Infectious Disease Awareness, Prevention, and Control Strategies in Canine Rehab

1h

Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Assistive Devices

2h

Red Flags and Cautions for Rehabilitation Patients

2h

Rehabilitation for Pocket Pets, Wildlife and Exotics

1h

Rehabilitation Practice Business Strategies

1h

Hot Topics in Rehab

1h

Acupuncture and Tui-na for Canine Rehab

1h

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Causes, Testing and Treatment

1h

Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis): Indications & Synovial Fluid Analysis

1h

Intra-Articular Therapy: Indications & Product Selection

1h

Onsite Hands-on Lab: a minimum of 8 hours involving topics as follows:

Joint Injection Techniques

Thermoplastic Splinting

Veterinary Orthotics: Making a Good Impression

Rehab Assessment Review, Therapeutic Exercises, Therapeutic Modalities, Manual Therapy/Tui-Na, Case Workup, Group Discussion, etc

Certification

Students are eligible for the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinarian (CCRV) certification, endorsed by Chi. The certification requirements are as follows:

  • Complete all 4 sessions of the program.
  • Pass 3 online quizzes with scores above 75%.
  • Pass Final Written Exam* with a score above 75%.
  • Pass Final Practical Exam* with a score above 75%.
  • Submit two case studies (one orthopedic case and one neurological case) to be approved.
  • Approval of 30 internship hours

*All exams are conducted in English only

Instructors

Dr. Janice Huntingford is a 1984 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and a Board-Certified Specialist (Diplomate) in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine (DACVSMR). She is certified in Animal Chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, in Animal Acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, in Chinese Herbal Medicine through Chi University, and is a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner. In 2007, Dr. Huntingford opened Ontario’s first saltwater canine therapy pool and canine rehabilitation centre. Dr. Huntingford lectures nationally and internationally on rehabilitation, acupuncture, geriatric medicine, herbals, and pain management to veterinarians and veterinary technicians. She has authored or co-authored several textbook chapters on rehabilitation and published a number of peer reviewed manuscripts. She consults and sits on several advisory boards related to herbal medicine, laser therapy, pain management and holistic medicine. Dr. Huntingford is the director for Chi Canada which offers Veterinary Acupuncture and Canine Rehabilitation Certificate programs in Essex, Ontario.

Dr. Koh earned his veterinary degree in Taiwan and further honed his expertise at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, completing a specialty internship and a Master’s in acupuncture/integrative medicine. Subsequently, he has been teaching at Chi University and served as a clinical assistant professor at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine before his current role as the clinical associate professor and head of Integrative Medicine at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, Chinese food therapy, rehabilitation, and medical manipulation, Dr. Koh is also board certified in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. He also holds the distinguished title of Charter Fellow with the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine. Dr. Koh is an internationally recognized speaker and mentor in the areas of rehabilitation, TCVM, and integrative medicine. He also has contributed to academic literature, penning book chapters and peer-reviewed articles on these areas. His clinical focus centers on integrative approaches to various health conditions to optimize clinical outcomes and quality of life, particularly concerning pain management, mobility issues, and chronic disorders.

Dr. Atria earned her Bachelor's degree in music and biology from the University of Miami and her DVM from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Dr. Atria completed the Mixed Animal Acupuncture course at Chi in December 2006 and was granted certification from Chi and China's National Society of TCVM. She has completed both the Equine and Small Animal Advanced TCVM courses, as well as the Food Therapy course and all five TCVM Veterinary Herbal modules at Chi. Dr. Atria recently completed a one-year clinical internship in acupuncture at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Xie. At UF, Dr. Atria did clinical research investigating the use of acupuncture and herbal therapies for the treatment of anhydrosis and recurrent airway obstructive diseases in horses.

Dr. Alice owns a canine integrative sports medicine practice in Northern Colorado. Her primary focus is the use of manual therapy in injury prevention and educating her clients about the importance of conditioning. Dr. Alice is board certified in sports medicine and rehabilitation and has her masters in TCVM. Dr. Alice has found that utilizing Chinese medicine through an integrative approach can help many of her athletes improve their performance as well as their quality of life.

Dr. Freeman graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with her DVM in 2005. She then spent six years in small animal practice, where she became interested in alternative medicine. In 2011, Dr. Freeman completed the Acupuncture course at Chi, earning her CVA in January 2012. She then went on to become certified in herbal medicine. Dr. Freeman began practicing TCVM exclusively, opening a mobile, house call practice for dogs, cats and horses. In addition to her practice, Dr. Freeman also serves as an instructor at Chi, teaching the acupuncture point lab nearly every session of the Acupuncture course. Additionally, she works part-time in emergency medicine. Dr. Freeman’s most recent endeavor is in canine physical rehabilitation, in which she only needs a few more internship hours to become officially certified. For the past five months, she has been working at AVS, a specialty practice, integrating acupuncture into physical rehabilitation for dogs and cats. Her hobbies include competing in dressage, hiking, wake surfing, reading, traveling and hanging out with her horse, Caesar, and her dog, Ziva.

Dr. Terri Rosado holds certifications in all Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine branches. As an Assistant Professor at Chi University and the medical director of Chi Animal Hospital, Dr. Rosado is passionate about education, offering externships to Chi and veterinary school students, and inviting volunteers to experience small animal veterinary practice.

Dr. Olson graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with her DVM. She has experience with emergency relief veterinary medicine and specializes in acupuncture and rehab. She is a board member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Patrick Roynard attended the National Veterinary School of Alfort (Paris, France), the oldest veterinary school in the world. In 2006, Dr. Roynard graduated from veterinary school at the age of 23, and was awarded a Thesis medal for his work on surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.

Initially involved in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Roynard quickly developed a special interest for Neurosurgery and Neurology. He completed a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Dick White Referrals, a highly recognized veterinary specialty hospital in Cambridgeshire, England, prior to joining LIVS for a 2-year specialty internship in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Following this program, Dr. Roynard went on to start a 3-year residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the renowned University of California-Davis. Upon completion of this residency at LIVS, Dr. Roynard has remained on staff and is certified in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (specialty of Neurology and Neurosurgery).

Having received training in microsurgery from human neurosurgeons, Dr. Roynard has a special interest in Neurosurgery and integrative treatment of tumors affecting the brain and spinal cord (that is using all the tools currently available for the best outcome for your pet). Dr. Roynard is certified in canine cervical disc arthroplasty (intervertebral disc replacement) and has published in peer reviewed journals on canine intracranial diseases and vertebral tumors.

In his downtime, he enjoys keeping up to date with veterinary research, spending some outdoor time with his partner and their dogs, hitting the gym or being involved in any activity related to rugby, his second passion.

Dr. Ching-Ming Liu is the chief veterinarian in National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, also the director of Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine section and cliniical assistant professor. He receivd his BVM in 1989 and Master Degree in 1981 and Ph.D in 2015, all from Taiwan. His specialtes include surgery, neurology, acupuncture and rehabilitation.

Dr. Cory Sims, who graduated from University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1999, and received Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2003. After graduation, she worked as a Veterinarian in hospital for ten years, and since year of 2013, she worked in North Carolina State University as a Clinical Veterinarian and Resident in Clinical Pathology.

A California native, Dr. Jennifer Repac graduated from the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She spent two years working as a veterinarian and teacher for a small animal practice in Beijing. Dr. Repac has been practicing veterinary acupuncture since 2011 and has traveled twice to Guangzhou, China to teach acupuncture with the Chi Institute. She is now a second year Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation resident at the Animal Medical Center.

Enrollment Options

Semester

2025

Schedule & Tuition

Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4

Payment Information

A $250.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.

Payment is due 30 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.

Lab Equipment Sponsors

Companion Animal Health brings the most advanced technologies in pain management, rehabilitation, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. Whether your goals are to heal and reduce pain, regenerate and repair tissues, diagnose and record treatment success, or provide rehabilitative modalities, Companion has a solution that will benefit your patients and your practice. Come see why Companion Animal Health is known for superior quality products and unparalleled service and support.


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Dr. Xie's Jing Tang Herbal, Inc., has developed and manufactured herbal products that can improve the health, quality and productivity of your patients since 1999. All of our herbal products are manufactured strictly in compliance with cGMP regulations and standards. Jing Tang brand herbal products are distributed exclusively through licensed doctors for the best and safest care of the consumers. Dr. Xie's Jing Tang Herbal also distributes TENS units for rehabilitation, electroacupuncture units, acupuncture supplies and more.


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GingerLead dog support & rehabilitation harnesses’ patented design combines a padded belly sling with an attached leash & handle. GingerLeads provide superior comfort, control and support for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery or injury and aging dogs needing assistance with balance or mobility. Male and female slings are available and they are machine washable. Slip collars are provided for veterinarians to convert the GingerLead’s leash into a slip lead for technicians using them in hospital.


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Hudson Aquatic Systems, designs and manufactures underwater treadmills and therapy pools for the canine, equine and human markets. The company started in 1927, manufacturing therapy pools for Polio victims. In 1998, the first AquaPaws® canine underwater treadmill and in 1999 the first AquaPacer® equine underwater treadmill systems were made. Today, Hudson has installations in veterinary colleges, military, hospital and therapy centers worldwide. We offer 24/7 service and water care support.


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Hero is devoted to helping canines lead an active lifestyle by specializing in custom braces for stifle, hock and carpal injuries. We are the only bracing company owned by both a veterinarian and a certified orthotist and our core values include customer service, compassion and healing.


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