Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Process Applied to a Geoffroy’s Marmoset Callithrix geoffroyi After Lumbar Vertebrae Fracture

This article outlines the physiotherapy management and rehabilitation of a Geoffroy’s marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi) presenting hindquarter paralysis due to a lumbar vertebrae fracture. Training was needed to desensitize touch and manipulation before physiotherapy was initiated. The purpose of physiotherapy was to improve patient´s quality of life by enhancing mobility, muscle strength, coordination, promoting enough autonomy to re-engage his social group. These goals helped guide the rehabilitation process, aiming to maximize recovery considering animals’ welfare throughout. The physiotherapy regimen included the basic principles of rehabilitation such as manual therapy, physical therapy and environmental modification. This article describes the process followed in each stage, as well as the patient´s subsequent evolution.