Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Just curious how many people did post-amp physical therapy and how helpful you found it to be.
Rocky is six weeks post-surgery and seems to be doing well. But there's a certified physical therapist just a couple of miles from where I work. Our vet says he thinks Rocky is doing great and doesn't need it. Rocky's groomer, who has used and vouches for this physical therapist, also says she thinks Rocky is doing well and doesn't need it.
On the one hand, I trust his vet. On the other, having some physical therapy done couldn't hurt.
Thanks,
David and Rocky
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Hi David and Rocky!
Well you probably know that we're a bit biased but I'll give our feedback anyways. Yes, do it. Rehab isn't just for helping someone recover from an injury. Certified rehab therapists can tell you exactly what Rocky needs to live an injury-free, healthy life on three legs. They understand the unique gait and physical limitations of a Tripawd and are the best people to guide you in making the most of his new normal.
The reason many vets and laypeople don't think Tripawds "need" rehab is because this is a relatively new science, maybe a decade old. Any vet practicing more than 10 or 15 years had little to no classroom training in rehab therapy's benefits, so they're just not aware of its many benefits unless they get extra training. Most don't. Even vets in training need extra certification to practice rehab therapy.
You may have seen these posts about it but here are some that explain more benefits:
http://download.....m/?s=Rehab
Yes, most dogs and cats can do well without it. But then again we see many injuries happen to Tripawds because owners are unaware of proper exercise and diet for their Tripawd. When an injury happens they feel awful because they just didn't know. I was one of those parents and after Jerry healed from a torn cruciate, we vowed to never make that mistake again.
So, in short, if you have the resources to do it, GO. And the best part? The Tripawds Foundation will even pay for your dog's first rehab visit !
See, I'm biased 😉 Hope this helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This is so true:
The reason many vets and laypeople don't think Tripawds "need" rehab is because this is a relatively new science, maybe a decade old. Any vet practicing more than 10 or 15 years had little to no classroom training in rehab therapy's benefits, so they're just not aware of its many benefits unless they get extra training
A very highly regarded Orthopaedic specialist (now in his eighties) told me he didn't refer dogs for physio etc. because 'it's a new thing, we never used to do any of that.' Now I really liked him and respected his approach in general but, to be frank, this struck me as daft. I mean, the fact that they never used to do it, does not in itself mean it's not of value. For both my girls, one tripawd, one quadpawd (with cruciate problems and arthritis) seeing a rehab vet has been invaluable. She has taught me a lot of physio exercises etc. to do at home, and when needed she also does acupuncture and laser etc., to help ease any tension, knots etc, especially in Meg's back and stop them developing into chronic problems. After Meg's amp, she also used the underwater treadmill to help build up strength in her shoulder and remaining legs. What I value perhaps even more than all of this is the knowledge that Meg is getting checked over every month or so (we used to go weekly; it's now about once a month). The rehab vet can tell so much, just by running her hands over Meg's body. She sees things I don't, and can step in and address them, and just knowing that Meg is under her care and is being regularly checked is something I find immensely reassuring.
I told the rehab vet what the Orthopaedic man had said and she said she wasn't surprised. She said that a lot of Orthopaedic surgeons are not interested unless there's a scalpel involved. If (god forbid) I should ever in the future have a dog with the sort of problems Meg has had (which were orthopaedic, to be clear, we are not facing Cancer), I would take her to a rehab vet/physio at the start. I would want their opinion on her options (surgical/non surgical etc.) from the start, along with those of an orthopaedic surgeon to help me make an informed decision as to the best way forward.
So, in short, in your position, I would certainly take Rocky for an appointment with the physio. At the very least, they will be able to assess how his body is adjusting, show you some core strengthening exercises and give advice on exercise etc. going forward. If he doesn't need any treatment, as such, and they are reputable then they will tell you. It would also be good to have established a connection in case you do need them in the future. Some six months post amp, Meg, who had been doing brilliantly, suddenly started falling over. I didn't even question what to do. I called the rehab vet, who told me to bring her straight over. It turned out she had pulled a muscle behind her shoulder blade. She was able to diagnose this by touch, and prescribe the treatment (laser, rest etc.) that she needed. This was a huge relief. It is a relationship I would not want to be without.
Hope this helps. If you do take Rocky, please do let us hear how you get on. I'd be really interested to hear about your experience.
All best,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Anyone who's ever had a bigger accident himself/herself or something like that knows that recovery and 'maintenance' are a LOT better with rehab. I don't know how it is elsewhere but here the insurance automatically covers all of that because they recognized a long time ago that people get back to work (and to paying taxes and insurance...) quicker if they get into a rehab program after serious issues.
I broke my back a couple of years back and what gave me the most problems was not the fracture and the numerous surgeries but rather the malposition and the resulting sore muscles and nerves. -For a vet to think this wouldn't be applicable to animals, to me, is incomprehensible to be honest.
I completely understand if pet owners can't or won't afford a rehab specialist, that's a different issue entirely. But while I generally listen to what my vet tells me there are occasions where I disregard him and do what I believe is best for my pet.
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
Well said ladies, I couldn't agree more. You gave two of the best testimonials for the benefits of rehab therapy that I've ever seen. Thank you.
She said that a lot of Orthopaedic surgeons are not interested unless there's a scalpel involved.
The same sentiment is often said here in the U.S. as well. I don't blame them, it's what they specialize in, but when cancer isn't involved, I choose to only work with vets who are open to trying different therapies before resorting to an invasive surgery.
Tina I'm so glad you recovered from that awful injury! Yikes! And as for the way health care works (or rather doesn't) here in the U.S., don't get me started. Our Wyatt Ray
gets better care from the vet system than Admin and I do from our human health insurance!
Also, I do want to emphasize that when rehab therapy at a clinic is out of someone's budget or too far to utilize, that's totally understandable. There are many things that can be done at home as well.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the responses.
We see his vet tomorrow for his chemo follow-up blood work, so I'm going to ask again then. At this point, I'm leaning toward at least getting the initial consultation with the physical therapist done and then go from there.
David
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
I did take Rocky in yesterday for a consultation with the physical therapist. Very impressed with the facility and the therapists. They gave me a bunch of exercises to do at home with him, which we'll definitely follow, but I'm still weighing whether to take him back for actual therapy. He's done well overall post-amp, but he's really picked up steam on his recovery the last few weeks. And the therapist seemed to think Rocky was doing very well.
How may treatments do you all usually get?
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
That's so great! Don't forget the Tripawds Foundation may cover the cost of his first rehab therapy visit.
Sessions depend on each dog's needs, so it can vary greatly since all dogs are different.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My Otis goes 3x/week for hydrotherapy. He is getting so strong and gets some mental simulation. They also massage him in between laps and put the jets on different parts of his elbow and other joints.
I would have never thought to bring him to PT - however I had planned to use the reimbursement here by writing up something and sending pics. I got busy and the 30 days to get it done is over.
I'm just glad it was showed to me as an option because I think Otis is really benefitting from it. They can also show you stretches to do at home.
One problem. He is getting too strong! I've always been able to control him. However at the last 2 swimming appts he pulled a lot harder and I felt like I was not able to hold him in a stationary position at my side any longer - when he was going nuts over a dog 🐶 in the room we had to cut through to leave.
Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X. Started limping on 12/24/16. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17. Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17. 2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017. 4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17. Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight. Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.
We started out with every other week and now go once every three weeks. We're 15 months post amp and I see it as maintenance. However, that's for the actual treatments. The core strengthening I see as an ongoing thing even more so with older dogs. We are lucky enough to be able to go to a class once a week that's like a training class with other older and handicapped dogs. We only just started out again after the winter and I think it makes a whole lot of difference in terms of fitness. And additionally it has brought about an even closer bond because that is time spent together, which is really nice.
You can find what we do here http://tinsch.t.....t-balance/
but even if you do it at home it's fun and really beneficial!!
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
Rocky went for his first actual session today. The therapist said he did very well and didn't try to cheat once on the underwater treadmill.
One thing that I'm probably just being paranoid about: Is it OK for him to have laser therapy while he's still undergoing chemo? I'm going to give him two weeks after each chemo session before he has PT.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
That's a very good and very interesting question!! I know that my therapist ( Manni's of course, I don't have one) said to not use Magnetic field therapy for dogs with cancer in general no matter if chemo or not. As for Laser: it supposedly 'stirs things up' so if that's a good thing during chemo or not: huh. I would assume that the therapist would know and as you can tell I don't know the answer. If you find out However, let us know!
What I do know, though, is that if in doubt don't do it. Personally: while I like laser therapy I always found massages and such a little more beneficial so I'm sure that Rocky would be ok without laser until after chemo.
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
Rocky's dad said
One thing that I'm probably just being paranoid about: Is it OK for him to have laser therapy while he's still undergoing chemo? I'm going to give him two weeks after each chemo session before he has PT.
You're not being paranoid, you ask a great question. Here's a good discussion about cold laser therapy for dogs with cancer. In short, some vets feel it's safe to use for pain relief as long as it's not used directly over the tumor. Other vets say it's not OK:
The procedure also releases endorphins, or natural painkillers, but it is not recommended for animals that have cancer because the device can stimulate blood flow to cancer cells. (Anacapa Animal Hospital).
The only absolute contraindication for laser treatment is cancer. Laser treatment should never be used if there is a tumor near the target site. That’s because it can stimulate cancer cells just like it does other cells, potentially resulting in faster tumor growth. (Country Club Animal Clinic)
This is a great thing to discuss with your rehab practitioner and I would like to hear their opinion too.
I'm not a vet. But if my dog or cat had osteosarcoma, a cancer which typically has microscopic tumors already present elsewhere in the body, I would probablyl seek another type of treatment that wasn't known for stimulating cells in such a way that cold laser does.
Let us know what your rehab therapist says OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
When I picked him up yesterday, she told me she had done laser therapy on his rear legs but "obviously" not on his front leg. I gave her a funny look because I hadn't even thought of it. She explained the laser therapy stimulates cell growth and we obviously don't want to stimulate any cancer cells, so she avoided the front leg since the tumor had been in his other front leg.
My paranoia comes from wondering if cancer cells could have traveled to his rear legs. I emailed his Oncologist but haven't gotten a response yet. He's scheduled to back for therapy next week and I'll definitely ask about it again then.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
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