As more people understand that many of the same physical therapy principles applied to humans can also benefit dogs of all ages and health conditions, more canines than ever are enjoying pain-free lives.

Dog Rehab Gives Spree a Pain-Free Life

Spree is the perfect example of how canine rehab helps. At just a few weeks old, Spree didn’t look like she would have a good quality of life ahead of her.

She was born with a poorly formed skeletal structure that if left untreated would have subjected her to a life of terrible pain.

Luckily, her parent Connie Fredman of Canine Health Resort instinctively knew that she could provide her with a great life through surgery and dedicated rehabilitation therapy from herself and Rogers.

Today, Rogers performs weekly rehab work on Spree at Fredman’s home, as seen in the following video. Spree still has severe elbow arthritis in her remaining front limb and sore neck muscles which is typical for a front-leg Tripawd.

Please note: this video is not meant to be an instructional “how-to” dog physical therapy video, but rather to show how physical therapy can help. One look at Spree’s totally relaxed state, and you can tell she is loving it! Read below to learn more about this courageous dog, and how the dedication of Rogers and Fredman have helped to give her an excellent quality of life against all odds.

Never perform these manipulations on your dog without first consulting a professional canine rehabilitation therapist.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Spree Bounces Back Despite All Odds

As a puppy, orthopedic specialist exams revealed that the best way to help Spree lead a better life would be to amputate her poorly formed front right leg. Spree became a Tripawd at just 15 weeks old.

Several months later, surgeons told Fredman that Spree needed a bilateral FHO surgery, which requires removal of the head of the poorly formed femur, in order to grow a new joint built with the hind leg muscles.

Although FHO leaves a dog without hip joints, the procedure gets the leg to attach to the body by muscle alone, similar to how a dog’s shoulder blade attaches to the body. Smaller dogs like Spree are better candidates for this surgery but some larger dogs can also do well afterward.

Many parents would have given up after hearing this recommendation, but not Fredman. Rogers had already been performing gentle physical therapy routines on Spree and even bathtub swim sessions. Spree’s recovery from FHO surgery, however, had its challenges.

Because she was so young when her surgeries occurred, the brain’s neuromuscular pattern that dogs normally develop didn’t instinctively occur with Spree.

As a result, typical behaviors such as “sit” were extremely challenging. It took four months and two people performing regular rehab sessions just to teach her how to sit properly.

Today, Spree is a happy, healthy adult dog and lives a great life with Fredman’s large pack at the resort. Although Spree requires ongoing weekly physical therapy sessions and pain management with tools such as Rimadyl, Dasuqin, Adequan and fish oil, if you took one look at her you would never know that she had such a tough start in life.

Many thanks to Fredman and Rogers for allowing us to be a part of Spree’s therapy session. If you’re in Northern Colorado, be sure to contact Good Life Physical Therapy for Animals to learn about how she can help your Tripawd lead a better, pain-free life. For boarding care after surgery at Colorado State University, contact Connie Fredman at Canine Health Resort. 

Recommended Reading:

 Tripawds Recover and Relax at Canine Health Resort
When a Tripawd Needs another Leg Surgery
Tripawd Rehab Tips and Videos from California Animal Rehabilitation Center

Since we aren’t dog rehabilitation experts, we wanted to learn when and how to properly utilize a wheel chair for a three legged dog. We spoke with two of the world’s leading experts in dog wheelchair design and usage, Amy Kramer PT, DPT, CCRT, of California Animal Rehabilitation Center, and Leslie Grinnell, President of Eddie’s Wheels from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.

Is it Time for a Dog Wheel Chair?

The loss of a limb presents different challenges for a dog than a human, Kramer tell us. The advantage to being a canine amputee is that a dog has three legs to distribute its weight over, instead of just one remaining leg that humans have.

Despite a Tripawd’s adaptability, a three-legged dog can often benefit from immediate use of a wheel chair, especially if the dog already has per-existing physical ailments like arthritis, she explains.

Grinnell adds that using a wheelchair on the longest walk of the day may decrease the damage to the spinal cord, elbows, carpus and rear legs, which are common age-related issues for front and rear Tripawds. “Think of the wheelchair as preventive medicine against the wear and tear of being three-legged,” she explains.

Click here to view the embedded video.

According to Kramer, Tripawd parents should always keep an eye out for signs that their dog may need a cart. For example:

• If your dog cannot walk comfortably without rest for more than 30 feet, you may want to talk to a qualified veterinary rehabilitation therapist.
• If after an extensive pain management, rehabilitation and acupuncture treatment regimen your dog is still showing signs of pain, a cart might be the ticket to new found freedom and mobility.

And if you do obtain a cart, don’t worry about your three-legged hero becoming too dependent on it to get around. “A cart is not ever detrimental to the patient’s health and fitness,” says Kramer. However, she reiterates that it “should only be needed if they are showing other signs of difficulty with gait.”

How to Choose and Buy a Dog Wheel Chair

To the untrained eye, all dog wheel chairs might seem alike, but it’s critical to know the differences between a custom well-built cart that lasts a lifetime and a cheap mass-produced knock-off.

According to Grinnell, the biggest difference between her company’s dog wheelchairs and the lower-priced models built in China, is that Eddie’s Wheels takes every dog’s physical situation into consideration before building the customized cart in their Shelburne Falls factory. The first question Grinnell’s staff asks a potential customer is, ‘Tell us about your dog.’

“We know that this dog is pretty special if someone is looking into the cart option, so we take down the dog’s story and how it became disabled. We ask questions like ‘how long has he been coping with a disability?’ because a dog who has been three-legged for 10 years is going to have other issues besides just missing a limb. Usually the carpus has collapsed or the elbows are worn out, or there may be lumbar spine issues or ACL problems in the rear legs. So we want a complete picture of the dog’s anatomical and medical challenges. We often ask for a side view and overhead view photo. Many tripods develop a spinal curvature that we will take into account if necessary,” she says.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As a pet parent with two bi-pawd dogs at home (Willa, Webster and Sweet Pea, as seen above), Grinnell’s company has firsthand experience with the issues that physically challenged dogs face. “We think of our dogs as our research and development team. We really do test our products on animals!” she says.

Unlike prefabricated, low cost wheel chairs for dogs, Grinnell says that an Eddie’s Wheels cart will always have customized features. “For amputees, we calculate the weight of the missing rear leg and install a counterweight on the side of the amputation to keep the cart balanced and minimize the danger of tipping over,” says Grinnell. The company can also “splay the frame wider to allow for the wide stance many tripods develop, and make the saddle accommodate the enlarged musculature we see on some three-legged dogs.”

Finally, Grinnell says that Eddie’s Wheels also makes the only front wheel cart for front leg amputees, which enables these dogs to sniff, run and sit in their wheels while preventing the “bunny hop” walk that leads to stiffness later in life.

Click here to view the embedded video.

When Affordability is an Issue

The benefits of a custom-built dog wheel chair are obvious, but oftentimes affordability is a big issue. A custom Eddie’s Wheel cart can cost anywhere from $325.00 to $650.00 depending on factors such as the size of the dog, the type of wheels needed to match their exercise terrain and many other custom design features. Although wheel chairs are covered in some pet insurance policies like VPI and Pets Best, this expense is often a barrier for financially-distressed pet parents. For these customers, Grinnell says that getting creative is often the path to obtaining one.

“We have found that many people are very successful in making online fundraisers and even within their communities many people will contribute to help a handicapped dog get the help they need. We’ve encouraged people to work with their local pet store to do fundraisers for carts by providing brochures, posters etc.”

These organizations in our Tripawds Financial Resources Document might also be able to help.

“We also have a stock of donated used carts and if one fits, we are happy to sell it at a reduced price, refurbishing and customizing for a new dog,” says Grinnell.

Know Your Tripawd’s Limitations

As Tripawd parents already know, dogs adapt much better to challenging circumstances than humans do. For most Tripawds it only takes about a week to learn how to use a properly fitted and professionally built dog wheelchair after fine-tuning is made through the help of Eddie’s Wheels staff and their YouTube instructional videos. When a Tripawd is allowed to use his new wheel chair after taking a long, tiring walk without one, the dog will often instinctively understand that the supporting wheels provide respite and relief.

But regardless of whether or not a Tripawd is ready for a wheel chair, says Kramer, “All amputee pet owners should understand their pet’s limitations due to being an amputee, as well as have a home exercise and stretching program designed for their pet.”

She adds that as a Tripawd ages, pet parents need to be on the lookout for signs that might indicate there is an issue in one of the dog’s remaining limbs.

To learn how to spot potential ailments that could affect your Tripawd, find see a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner near you.

Please note that Tripawds has no affiliation with any dog wheelchair manufacturer, nor do we have personal experience using a wheelchair for either Tripawds Founder Spirit Jerry or Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray.

If you have experience using a wheelchair for your dog, please provide feedback with a comment below. Or post any questions in the Hopping Around Discussion Forum.

Recommended Reading:

Eddies Wheels: Front Wheel Carts for Forelimb Disabilities
Tripawds News Blog: California Animal Rehabilitation Tips and Videos for Tripawds
Tripawds Downloads Blog: Financial Resources for Tripawd Pawrents

Next Sunday, August 28 at 6:30 pm Eastern, Tripawd Talk Radio is hoppy to host renowned dog behaviorist Sarah Wilson of MySmartPuppy, speaker, instructor and author of numerous books about everything dogs.

Tripawd Talk Radio Chat with Sarah, Sunday 8/28

Join us for a fun discussion about how to maintain postive behavior in dogs after any major surgery.

Learn how to adapt training techniques for recovering dogs, how to handle pack-mate interaction, and much more!

Date: Sunday, August 28, 2011
Time: 6:30pm Eastern (4:30 MT, 3:30 Pacific)
Duration: 30 min.
Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*

Tune In Here: Behavior Training Tips for Dogs After Surgery

Share Link: bit.ly/ttr082811

*You do not need to call to hear the show. Listen live here and join us in the chat room or call (310) 388-9739 with your questions.

About our Guest:

Sarah Wilson is an experienced professional dog trainer, behaviorist and an expert in the human-animal bond. Since 2000, she has run one of the most active dog training and care communities on the the Internet, MySmartPuppy.com. Sarah loves working with all dog/human teams but has a special place in her heart for the shy/sensitive/deficit dogs.

She appeared alongside Tripawds founder Spirit Jerry, founder of Tripawds, in PBS Nature’s “Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” regularly contributes to New England Cable News “The Secret Life of Animals,” Comcast’s Pets on Demand and Nick Jr.’s “A Pup Grows Up.”

With eight books to her name (including My Smart Puppy; Good Owners, Great Dogs; Childproofing Your Dog, Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals About You) and a ninth on the way, she is a prolific and popular writer.

An engaging speaker, she has taught at Tufts-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Council of the Blind, Pet Sitters International, International Association of Canine Professionals, The Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers, Puppyworks, The ASPCA, Groomers Expo, and many more.

Join us in the Tripawds Live Chat during the show or post your questions in the discussion forums.

Reply to this topic with any brief questions for Sarah. This Topic will be updated with a program podcast after the show.

Recommended Reading:

Sarah Meets Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray: Tripawd Confidence Starts with You

As a large breed dog with bad elbows and two previous bi-lateral TPLO surgeries, Lucy might have appeared to be a poor candidate for amputation to some people.

But her pawrent, Dr. Amy Kramer, knew better.

Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT, is co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation in Los Angeles. Her extensive background in human and animal rehabilitation gave her the confidence she needed to proceed with Lucy’s amputation after the diagnosis.

Nearly one year after her  amputation, Lucy is beating the odds and thriving, especially thanks to her twice-weekly canine physical therapy workouts at CARE.

Lucy’s Rear Leg Workout Routine

In this video, Lucy demonstrates a few workout tips for us, along with therapy assistant Catherine Shields. After her morning hydrotherapy session, Lucy performs a series of reaching stretches, weight shifts, pole weaving and abdominal crunches to gain flexibility, strengthen her core muscles, and improve her proprioception (body awareness). Keep reading below for a written outline of Lucy’s workout.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Reaching Stretches
Lucy has just had a water workout, so Catherine is gently supporting her remaining rear leg by allowing Lucy’s rear end to balance on Catherine’s thigh.

To promote better flexibility in the shoulders and sides, and to alleviate neck and upper back pain, Catherine is using treats to have Lucy perform range of motion exercises such as:

• Turn her head and make wide side-to-side torso movements
• Look up in a “chest-to-sky” movement

Reaching stretches are often called “cookie stretches,” but we recommend using fruit, carrots or green beans as treats to help avoid weight gain.

Weight Shifts
Lucy performs weight shifts to help strengthen her back muscles and encourage weight bearing on her remaining rear leg.

Dog weight shift exercises are similar to how you would balance yourself when walking on a floating dock: as the dock bobs around on the water, you must adjust your balance and weight to keep from toppling over.

Catherine demonstrates weight shifts by gently putting pressure on one side of Lucy’s hips and then the other.

Weight shifts are explained in detail by Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, CCRP Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He says:

“The goal is to disturb its balance just enough so the animal can recover, being careful not to push too hard.”

Dr. Millis advises that “weight shifts may also be performed during walking. As the animal is walked, the handler gently bumps or pushes the animal to one side. Caution should be used to avoid falls and injury.”

Weaving

Agility dog Maggie can tell you, weaving is so much fun it doesn’t seem like a workout. Weaving helps improve a dog’s reaction and control, increase trunk and core strength and stabilize weak areas. Weaving also improves balance and awareness of the body’s position in space.

You can use a traditional agility weaving set with poles or cones or line up simple obstacles found in your home. Weaving works like this:

• The handler slowly tempts the dog to follow her hand movements with a treat.
• The dog simply follows her nose by weaving in and out of the cones and back again.
• A beginner workout should consist of weaving between four to six cones or poles (depending on your Tripawd’s energy level)
• Eventually you can work up to 12 weaving obstacles.

Remember to take it slow and if your dog sits down or doesn’t want to do anymore weaves, your dog is probably tired, so stop.

Dog Abdominal Crunches
Gentle abdominal crunches for canines work the same way oblique (side) crunches do for humans. Catherine explains that canine abdominal crunches help to build abdominal strength which better supports a dog’s weight and promotes flexibility.

Canine abdominal crunches for dogs are performed by:

• Having the dog lay on one side
• Bring a treat to the dog’s nose and slowly move your hand down the length of the dog’s body to the groin area
• Release the treat and repeat a few more times depending on your dog’s fitness level
• Repeat on other side

Watch for Fatigue

These are just a few basic exercises you can do on your own to help your rear legged tripod. During your dog’s workout, watch for subtle signs of fatigue that can include:

• Lip licking
• Uneven breathing
• Panting
• Staring at you
• Sitting down
• Refusing to move

If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, stop and praise your dog for a job well done!

We highly recommend contacting a certified canine rehabilitation specialist like CARE who can help you build a complete home workout routine and get your Tripawd into the best shape pawsible.

Many thanks to everyone at California Animal Rehabilitation in Los Angeles for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit their facility and see how staff can help your canine amputee stay strong and live hoppy!

Recommended Reading and Resources

Cookie Stretches: Learn additional ways of performing these beneficial movements at AgilityNerd.com.

Exercises to Enhance Proprioception by Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, CCRP Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

See all of our three legged dog rehabilitation videos with CARE.

In last week’s video interview at California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE), we learned about how Lobo regained his health, thanks to the doctors at CARE and his pawrent, Dr. Lisa Swan.

In the following video, we learn about Lobo’s acupuncture sessions, how canine rehab therapy can benefit Tripawds and how to find a qualified practitioner.

After the video, you’ll learn more about these topics and where you go for more information about effective canine rehabilitation therapy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Acupuncture Alleviates Pain in Dogs

Lobo is a front leg Tripawd who has returned to the clinic after suffering from severe back pain. Dr. Jessica Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT, explains that Lobo has a weak front wrist, which is most likely caused by overuse from years of excessive weight bearing on the remaining front leg.

Front leg Tripawds like Lobo are at risk of this condition, which happens when the fibrous tissue in joints breaks down. Spinal problems are also a potential challenge Tripawds may encounter. Both of these conditions are the result of aging, as well as living life on three legs.

Dr. Waldman says that Tripawds “put a little more stress on their back. It is going to happen with older dogs too, but with Tripawds we see it a lot more.”

This is because Tripawds must alter their natural body mechanics to get around on three legs. It’s similar to when a human walks with a limp; eventually the limp will lead to back pain. If a dog’s natural gait is totally altered over a lifetime, aches and pains can arise.

Core strengthening exercises and fitness games done at home can help to offset this compensation. Additional benefits can be enjoyed by regularly consulting with a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner to learn how to alleviate age-related aches and pains.

In the past, pain medication wasn’t helping Lobo to feel better. Just one month prior, his back pain was so bad he couldn’t walk. But now, Dr Waldman explains that with rehabilitation and acupuncture, Lobo is back to “his old rowdy self and ready to go!”

What Can Acupuncture Do?

According to an article in WholeHealthMD,

“Acupuncture practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the body’s internal regulatory system and nurtures a natural healing response.” The article explains that acupuncture works by “release of endorphins and monoamines, chemicals that block pain signals in the spinal chord and brain.”

Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive way to help alleviate pain when performed by a skilled, certified practitioner. When considering what types of pain relief options are available for animal patients, Dr. Waldman says:

“I tell patients that acupuncture can’t hurt. There’s so many things that we can do that do hurt. Surgery has a lot of good and bad things about it. And medications have side effects. So why not try this plan?”

Anyone considering acupuncture should keep in mind that for the best results, you’ll need to make an ongoing commitment to the therapy. At Dr. Waldman’s clinic, pawrents are encouraged to try a comprehensive, four week acupuncture treatment plan before moving on to more invasive options. If a pawrent doesn’t see results, or the doctors at CARE don’t see improvement, treatment can be halted. Usually, though, acupuncture helps.

“Once they see that their dog is improved, they’re sold (on acupuncture),” she explains.

How to Find a Qualified Acupuncturist and Rehabilitation Therapist
Canine rehabilitation is a growing field and practitioners are opening rehab centers all the time. How do you know who’s qualified and who isn’t?

Dr. Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT, co-founder of CARE, advises pawrents to seek out practices that have a veterinarian and a licensed canine rehabilitation practitioner working together.

“If there’s no therapist and no veterinarian involved, then I think you’re missing a link in the chain of what works,” she says.

This collaborative approach works because canine rehabilitation veterinarians are trained to recognize and diagnose animal diseases, but canine rehab practitioners are not.

When a dog is undergoing rehab therapy but his condition is not being monitored by a rehabilitation veterinarian, small signs of disease and illness could be missed, which puts the patient’s health in jeopardy and possibly lead to additional treatment costs.

Pawrents can find certified canine rehabilitation practitioners by visiting:

• The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV)
• The Canine Rehabilitation Institute, which awards the certificate of Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT)
• The University of Tennessee’s Outreach and Continuing Education Department (in conjunction with Northeast Seminars), which grants a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) certificate.

These organizations certify veterinarians, veterinary technicians, physical therapists, and physical therapy assistants. Both U.S. and International practitioner directories are available.

Acupuncture therapists can be located at:

• The Association for British Veterinary Acupuncturists
• The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists
• The Chi Institute

Additional Reading

Therapies: Acupuncture, WholeHealthMD.com

“The Benefits of Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning”, Whole Dog Journal, by Lisa Rodier, September 2009

Many thanks to everyone at California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit their facility and see how staff can help your canine amputee stay strong and live hoppy!

Learn more about Lobo in Part 1 of this series with CARE, “Canine Rehab Therapy: Senior Tripawd Bounces Back with CARE”

Lobo is an older rescue dog who’s made an amazing recovery from years of neglect and abuse, thanks to the loving care of Dr. Lisa Swan, a veterinarian in Pasadena, California. Dr. Swan adopted him after animal control authorities rescued him from a neglectful human.

When Lobo arrived at Dr. Swan’s clinic, he could barely walk. He was incontinent, had a bum wrist, severe arthritis, muscle atrophy and a slew of other injuries from years of neglect. Dr. Swan was asked to “patch him up” so he could be held as evidence to prosecute his former abuser.

Despite his defensive, cranky attitude, Lobo won the heart of Dr. Swan, who adopted him when the case was over. Lobo became a regular at California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE) in Los Angeles (see our ongoing video series about CARE).

Lobo began receiving acupuncture treatments, participating in active exercises and therapy stretches with CARE’s team of professional therapists. After only about 12 sessions, he showed amazing improvement. Lobo’s recovery is proof that with the right kind of trained therapists and “homework” exercises, senior Tripawds can get around beautifully.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Every CARE patient is evaluated by a team of trained veterinary rehabilitation therapists, like Josh Arellano, who began his career as a physical therapist for humans and then transitioned to canines.

Any pawrent who’s considering taking their Tripawd to canine rehabilitation therapy should be aware that even with the best therapy, it won’t live up to its potential without the commitment and dedication of the dog’s human.

CAREs team of certified technicians gives each pet pawrent homework assignments to do at home.

Pawrents learn how to do stretches properly. All home exercises and recommendations need to be followed, like not letting the Tripawd jump off furniture, out of cars, or overdoing it at the dog park.

Most importantly, pawrents learn how to avoid injuring the patient, which, according to Rehabilitation Technician Catherine Shields, is one of the hardest things for newcomers to figure out.

Today Lobo continues to receive regular treatments as needed. To manage his chronic back pain, he gets ongoing acupuncture treatments and stretches. Stay tuned for another segment of Lobo’s acupuncture session with the good folks at CARE.

Many thanks to everyone at California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles for helping us bring this series to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit their facility and see how staff can help your canine amputee stay strong and live hoppy!

Our apologies for the low audio levels of this video, CARE is a busy place, making it an extremely challenging environment to record interviews!

Isabelle loves her dog massage sessions!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Techniques

Effleurage

Effleurage is the first thing you will do when beginning a massage. This is a hand-over-hand technique where you are running your hands over your pet’s body, from head to tail.

There are many reasons why effleurage is important. It will cue your pet’s body that they are going to receive a massage. It will give your pet a chance to tell you what’s going on with their body.

This is when they might push a certain area of their body into your hands or the opposite and pull away from you. Animals communicate through body language, so this is how your pet will tell you if they are having discomfort, or, if it feels really great when you rub them in a certain spot!

Massage will help detect anything unusual because you become so “in touch” with their body.

Effleurage Tips

• As you run your hands over your pet’s body, close your eyes.
• Feel your pet. Feel the fur, where is their coat coarse and where is the fur softer?
• Feel any lumps or bumps.

Effleurage will alter the heart rate, matching the speed at which you run your hands over their body. Slower helps relax your pet, faster is more stimulating.

When you run your hands over the body, always extend them down along the “phantom limb”. There is still energy in that area, so continue the massage as if the limb was still there.

Rocking

Rocking is my favorite massage technique because it is so beneficial to animals of any size and age.

You do the same movements on your pet’s hips as well as their shoulders. The gentle rocking motion is comforting, and warms up the body, keeping the muscles loose and less prone to injury. This technique will also help strengthen the muscles.

Rocking Tips

• With your hands lightly cupped, press the palms gently over your pet’s shoulders or hips.
• Now, keeping your hands in place, begin to move the muscle and tissue in a circular motion.
• Think of making small, gentle circles, rocking your pet’s body from side to side.

A good example of the difference between petting and massage is:

• Petting is just running your hands over the fur.
• Massage is moving the tissue and muscle underneath.

Dogs and Stress

Our pets have areas on their bodies that get tense, just like us. Dogs that pull on their leash carry stress in the neck/shoulder area. Some pets who feel it’s their duty to guard and protect, will have tension below the ears & sometimes the rear quarters.

The pet missing a limb will usually carry stress in the area opposite of the loss, as they are compensating by carrying extra weight in other parts of their body.

What does stress feel like? A fist. An area that is tight and immovable.

“Knead” to Alleviate Stress

• If your pet is comfortable with you handling the area of tension, lift the fur between your fingers,
• Make sure not to pinch, and fold the tissue gently away from you.
• This technique is called petrissage, or “kneading”. When you lift the tissue, you are allowing fresh oxygen to flow through the pockets between the tissue and muscle.

Dog Massage: Things to Remember

If your pet ever shows any signs that they are uncomfortable with what you are doing, STOP. Never force your pet to get a massage.

If you find something unfamiliar on your pet’s body, go immediately to your vet and have it checked out. Always let your veterinarian know that you are giving your pet a massage.

Massage should be an enjoyable, relaxing experience for you and your pet. So, try it tonight!

Before starting, read “Relax, and Learn How to Massage Your Tripawd, Part 1“

Pam Kuhn, CAMT (Certified Animal Massage Therapist) was certified as an animal massage therapist through Pet-ri-ssage LTD in 1999 and is currently a massage therapist at an integrative veterinary/rehabilitation practice and makes home visits.

She is the primary instructor for Animal Career Academy’s Pet Massage School and has experience as a veterinary technician and trainer. She aids many rescue organizations and animal shelters by donating her time (and hands) to help animals in need. Pam lives in Chicago with her husband, Ed, and sweet, black Pug, Rugby.

Learn more at-home Dog Massage Techniques in the Tripawds Downloads blog!

Learn the basics about how to give your pet a massage in this two-part Tripawd News series, courtesy of Tripawd Isabelle’s animal massage therapist, Pam Kuhn, CAMT in Chicago, Illinois.

Part One: The Essentials of Pet Massage

Touch is essential to every living creature. When we touch our pets, we are making a connection and strengthening the bond that we share. Since you are already touching your pet, why not do something more beneficial? Massage.

Massage has numerous benefits for animals of all ages and breeds, whether they have four legs or three.

Massage improves circulation, speeds healing, increases flexibility, relieves stress, aids socialization, relaxes the body, enhances the human/animal bond, and feels great!

There are benefits for you, too. When you massage, your heart rate will slow down, and you will feel just as relaxed as your pet.

Where to Massage

You don’t have to have a special area set up to do a massage. I never use a table, and often find myself sharing a dog or human bed. A sofa works just as well. It’s all about your pet relaxing, so wherever they like to sleep is where you should be.

When to Massage

Bedtime is usually the most relaxing time for you and your pet. Do you sit on the sofa and watch TV together at night? Does your pet sleep with you?

Try not to alter your routine.

How Long Should A Massage Last?

I would start with ten minutes, progressing to half hour. Petting feels different from massage, and your pet will notice this.

They will never feel sore after a massage, but you want to leave them begging for more!

Is There A Difference Between Massage On A Quadpawd versus a Tripawd?

The simple answer is no. The more complicated answer, it depends on the animal.

If your pet was born with three legs, their body has had time to adjust and distribute their body weight to compensate for the missing limb.

If your pet has recently lost a limb, then they are learning to re-distribute their weight, and their muscles are readjusting, accordingly.

Read more! In Part Two of Pam’s Dog Massage Tips series, you’ll learn specific techniques for doing your own pet massage at home and watch a how-to video demonstrating Pam’s techniques.

Pam Kuhn, CAMT (Certified Animal Massage Therapist) was certified as an animal massage therapist through Pet-ri-ssage LTD in 1999 and is currently a massage therapist at an integrative veterinary/rehabilitation practice and makes home visits.

She is the primary instructor for Animal Career Academy’s Pet Massage School and has experience as a veterinary technician and trainer. She aids many rescue organizations and animal shelters by donating her time (and hands) to help animals in need. Pam lives in Chicago with her husband, Ed, and sweet, black Pug, Rugby.

Learn more at-home Dog Massage Techniques in the Tripawds Downloads blog!

If so, you’ll want to read this brief interview with our favorite canine rehab veterinarian Dr. Jessica Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT, co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles.

We asked  Dr. Waldman when and how a wheel chair or cart can benefit a Tripawd and how it should be used. Here’s what she had to say:

Under what circumstances are carts appropriate for a Tripawd?

Carts are appropriate if the pet has severe compensatory issues or severe pain and therefore dysfunction with mobility. This should be considered after appropriate pain management, rehabilitation, and acupuncture.

Rehabilitation veterinarians or physical therapists* can aid in this decision and in measurements and fittings for the cart.

If the pet is unable to walk comfortably or without rest for more than 30 feet after these other approaches have been tried, a cart may be acceptable.

(*Qualified rehabilitation therapists have the initials CCRT: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist or CCRP: Certified Canine Rehabilitaiton Practitioner after their name. To find one, visit the Canine Rehabilitation Institute or the University of Tennessee Animal Rehabilitation program website.

What are benefits and drawbacks of using a cart with a Tripawd?

Carts can be helpful to increase mobility, but a pet that uses a cart must use it in moderation (starting with just a minute or two at a time a few times daily.)

It is also important for owners to know that pets may do short walks (I would always limit to 15-20 minutes maximum) in carts, but that they cannot lie down in a cart and shouldn’t because it stresses their back.

Carts are really just a walking aid. Carts do not replace the need for strengthening, range of motion, or flexibility issues.

Are there steps can a human take to avoid needing a cart for their Tripawd?

LOTS!! Rehab, exercise restriction is key, acupuncture, pain management, strengthening!!!

What kinds of qualifications/experience should a human look for in a company that makes carts?

Good question. Reputation, experience. Check the Better Business Bureau. Ask: Do they make rear wheel carts only or both front and rear limb carts (meaning, the more variety they have the more understanding they have)? Do they provide carts with counterbalance?

How do you know if a cart is properly fitted?

Hard to say, we have physical therapists do this because it isn’t easy to explain. The dog needs to be in “as normal an anatomic position” as possible.

Many thanks to Dr. Waldman and California Animal Rehabilitation Center for helping us bring this valuable information to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit Dr. Waldman’s incredible facility and see how her staff can help your Tripawd dog stay strong and live hoppy!

Check out Tripawd Daisy and her Eddie’s Wheels Cart:

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information about rehabilitation therapy, wheel chairs and wheel carts for three legged dogs, please see our previous news stories:

• Canine Rehabilitation Tips from CARE
• Doggon Wheelchairs for Tripawds
• Eddie’s Wheels Makes Wheelchairs for Front and Rear Amputee Dogs

Trying to envision 10 year-old, 150 pound Cane Corso living life as a canine amputee while battling bone cancer, was difficult for Fortis’ vet to imagine.  He only gave Fortis a “4″ out of “10″ in rating him as a candidate for amputation.

But Fortis’ Dad, Brett, knew better. He knew that Fortis had the drive and enthusiasm to face any obstacle, head on and with dignity. “Fortis,” says Brett, “Is my hero, my best friend, and I love him more than words permit. He is a fighter for sure. . .”

Nearly one year later, Fortis has beaten the odds, despite a leg injury and even after lung mets were discovered.

Fortis celebrated his 11 month ampuversary yesterday.

On behalf of this entire community, we send our love and biggest hoppy dances out to Fortis in Austin, Texas!

How Fortis Fights Cancer

We asked Brett if he could share some of the facts surrounding Fortis’ diagnosis, treatments, and his overall philosophy for coping with bone cancer. Here’s what he had to say:

Type of cancer: Osteosarcoma

Diagnosed: 01/23/2010, right rear leg amputated on February 3, 2010.

Age: 10 yrs

Chemo Treatments? Chemo was not given mainly for two reasons. First, I wasn’t totally convinced of its effectiveness. Secondly, Fortis injured his remaining knee shortly after his surgery.

I was not going to put him through another surgery. I felt there was a high likelihood that his body would fail him before the cancer reappeared.

Of course, I was wrong and this hasn’t been the case. So now, I am left with wonder as to whether I made the right choice. I have really struggled with this subject. I go back and forth on how I feel about chemo. I’m not positive I even know for sure what I would decide today if the journey was just beginning.

Lung Mets Discovered: 08/13/2010

Medications: NSAID’s Rimadyl, Deramaxx, and Piroxicam, Fentanyl Patch and Tramadol (for post surgery pain relief), Zeniquin and Cephalexin (Antibiotics), Beano and Pepcid AC (for gas and upset stomach), Prednisolone (started on 09/03/2010 “lung met burst”). Accupunture and chiropractic treatments (monthly).

No side effects.

Fortis’ Diet and Supplements? Wellness Core Grain Free Kibbles (main diet), Wellness wellbites and biscuits, NB Beef log, raw meat (as snacks and treats), Glucosamine (Joints), K-9 Immunity, K9 Transfer Factor, K9 Omega (Initially were given)

What Do You Contribute Fortis’ Longevity To?

I suppose I would most contribute Fortis’ longevity to love, prayer and the stress free environment we have tried so hard to give him.

Secondly, early detection and the amputation. The amputation removed the main tumor and Fortis’ end would have surely come much earlier otherwise.

I also feel the chiropractic and acupuncture treatments have helped to keep him as mobile as possible.

Lastly, I feel an active lifestyle has greatly contributed to his longevity.

The consistent swimming, car rides, trips to the park, and outdoor time around the house has aided in weight control, muscle tone, and most importantly an energetic, alert and high spirited Fortis in my opinion!

Brett and Fortis’ Advice for Coping with Bone Cancer

My advice would be to educate yourself and your family as much as possible.

Tripawds is not only a great source of information but the compassion and support of this wonderful community will give you strength and comfort during the tough times.

Seek second opinions when possible and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is your greatest defense against fear, guilt, and worry. Don’t let these emotions rob you of your joy and happiness. Remember, there are no right or wrong choices.