The Physical Rehabilitation Department is run by AARV's Immediate Past President Dr. Carolina Medina. Dr. Medina received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University in 2005. During 2005-06, she became certified in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Tui-na massage by the Chi Institute. In 2010, she became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. In 2013, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Medina lectures nationally and internationally about rehabilitation therapy and acupuncture. She has served on the board for the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians from 2012-17, initially as the Industry Liaison, then as President-Elect, President, and currently as the Immediate Past President.

Deana Cappucci-Lorentz is another integral member of the Physical Rehabilitation Department. Deana is an AARV member and a VTS Specialist in Physical Rehabilitation through the Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians. Deana earned her Bachelor's Degree in Science for Veterinary Technology at Mercy College in 2006, and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician. In 2010 she became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. In 2011 she became a Certified Canine Massage Therapist through the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage. In 2012, Deana attended the TCVM for Veterinary Technicians course at the Chi Institute. Deana lectures to veterinary technicians and students, police officers, and clients educating them about the many benefits of canine rehabilitation and sports medicine. Deana is also a board member and the Secretary for the Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians.

Christian Vazquez is the newest member of the Physical Rehabilitation Department. He has been working at Coral Springs Animal Hospital since 2013. He started in the Pet Care Department, then was promoted to the General Practice Department, and then transitioned into the Rehabilitation Department in March 2016. Christian recently became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. He has a special interest in orthotics and is responsible for the orthotic adjustments for these patients. His long-term goal is to become a veterinarian, so in addition to working full-time and taking courses at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, he is also taking the prerequisites for veterinary school at Broward College.

Coral Springs Animal Hospital is a proud supporter of the South Florida Wildlife Center, a non-profit organization that is a rescue, rehab and release facility for injured Florida native wildlife. Staff members from the Physical Rehabilitation Department volunteer at the South Florida Wildlife Center and have treated injured wildlife such as pelicans, owls, hawks, various birds of prey, opossums, raccoons, and a Gopher tortoise. Click on the links below to see how Dr. Medina treated a paralyzed Gopher tortoise with acupuncture to promote mobility, which allowed the tortoise to return to nature.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-sb-tortoise-injured-acupuncture-20170627-story.html
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-sb-tortoise-injured-released-20170829-story.html

Coral Springs Animal Hospital provides veterinary care and rehabilitation therapy to a multitude of law enforcement K9 Units including the police departments of the entire county, Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife, Florida Department of Transportation, and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). The Rehabilitation Department delivers lectures and workshops to officers in the community to learn about commonly seen injuries in working canines and how to prevent and treat these injuries.

In addition to patient care, the Physical Rehabilitation Department is involved in a clinical, prospective, double-blinded study evaluating the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The aim of the study is to asses the ability of shockwave to alleviate pain and promote early return to function after TPLO or TTA surgery. Dr. Medina will present the results of this study in AARV's lecture track at VMX 2018.

At Coral Springs Animal Hospital, we are passionate about the work we do and are grateful to work with great people who are like family, all while having a good time, and providing exceptional service to our patients. We are continuously growing and always seeking the latest advances in veterinary medicine so that we can continue to provide exceptional service for our patients and clients.

Contact
Coral Springs Animal Hospital
2160 N. University Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33071
Phone: 954-753-1800
Email: clientservices@coralspringsanimalhosp.com
Website: coralspringsanimalhosp.com