This study aimed to evaluate clients’ understanding, perception and experience of postoperative physiotherapy after undergoing an osteotomy technique for cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD), and their perception of cost and cost-worthiness of physiotherapy. A retrospective questionnaire was sent to202 owners of dogs that underwent CCLD surgery at our referral hospital from 1stJanuary 2015 to 31stDecember 2017, with 63 responses obtained.
Significant differences were found in choice of physiotherapy between clients recommended by their vets and those who were not (p< 0.01), as between those offered additional information about physiotherapy and those who were not (p< 0.01). 85% of those who elected physiotherapy had a satisfactory experience. No difference was found in client’s choice of physiotherapy between those aware of the availability of animal physiotherapy and those who were not (p=0.069). No association was found between cost of service and clients’ perception of cost-worthiness (p=0.169) or cost-worthiness of physiotherapy and dog’s recovery outcome (p=0.420). There was however a statistical relation between client´s perception of cost-worthiness and satisfaction level with the physiotherapy experience (p=0.03). Clients’ knowledge level had relationship with choice of physiotherapy (p=0.01) but had no relationship with the other investigated factors.Significant statistical relationship was also found between clients age and election of physiotherapy (p=0.01) with younger clients electing physiotherapy more often.
Veterinarians recommending physiotherapy and providing accurate information affect client’s decision and perception towards physiotherapy, in addition to clients’ own knowledge.