Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Hi all -

Sid's been getting a little stiffer in recent months. He's eight and a half years old now and been a tripawd for five of them.  He's a big dog, but we try to make sure he doesn't put on too much excess.  He's very well muscled - he went to a therapist for massage and she said he had a 'ridiculous' amount of muscle.  He goes swimming every week and absolutely LOVES it.

Now it's been suggested by Sid's hydrotherapist and a local greyhound trainer (who owns the hydro pool) that we try osteopathy for him. They think it might be better than massage.  

My concern is that his body has adapted itself to walk by swinging his single back leg underneath his body and out again at each step.  His spine has probably realigned itself in order to do this, and while it does cause him some cramping and pain, I worry that adjusting it back to 'normal' might be worse for him.

What say you?