Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Also just to answer some questions- the vet is one hour away. I live in a very rural part of the state, even Walmart is an hour away! I have called and checked with all the cerftified rehabilitation places. Definitely weighing a lot of options with these. All of them are 2-3 hours away and expect that she will need to come 2-3 times each week. I'm not sure that I can swing that between work, kids and life. I did schedule a consultation this Saturday at 1:30...but then I found out that the vet who called me is only going to be at this location for 2.5 more weeks and they do not have a water treadmill...which she will probably need. Another one can't get me in for 2 weeks. My vet thinks I am overreacting and that she may not be ready for rehabilitation...to give her time! Her mobility improves daily...and she will get up! 

Oh we totally get that, life is busy enough and when you live rurraly appointments like this can be a challenge. Lots of folks are far from rehab therapists, but the good news is that Sally is correct, Dr. Debbie Gross does canine rehab therapy phone consults. I would contact her and see how her phone consults work.  I'm sure she isn't the only one who does, but I'd start there.

Also, something to keep in mind: we've been told by rehab therapists that water treadmills are great but they aren't the key to a great rehab program. In fact one therapist told us that water treadmills are more for the people than the dogs, because people get such a kick out of seeing their dog in the tank! So don't let that stop you from a clinic that doesn't have one. The most important thing is to have practitioners that are CCRT or CCRP credentialed.

One more thought about the vet's reaction....canine rehab therapy is a very new science (only about a decade or so old) and many vets are unfamiliar with how many benefits it has. We often hear that from vets, but if you ask a rehab therapist, they'll tell you that an animal doesn't have to be having physical difficulties or seriously injured in order to benefit. It's akin to us humans working with a fitness trainer when we want to feel better. The guidance of an expert can help your pup feel better, walk and move better, and show you how to keep doing it on your own at home. All great practitioners will understand you can't take her in to the clinic forever and they will design a program you can do at home. 

I hope this helps.