Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We're about 10 months after Jack's surgery and I'm starting to notice some loss in stamina and possible problems. We've gone from ~1000 step walks to between 200 and 400 before she's done and needs to be carried. I can also tell that walking isn't easy for her. She holds her front leg at odd angles and her head bounces a lot when she's walking, as if she's using the whole front of her body to pull up her front leg to take a step.
I've emailed my vet to try to set up an appointment with a rehab vet, though we'll have to wait a couple of weeks until we're in Philly full time. There's a good facility there (WAG) and I'm hoping they can help.
What can I expect? What progress have others seen from working with a rehab vet? I'm starting to get worried that we're headed back to dealing with arthritis and I wasn't expecting this so soon.
How pawesome of you to be so conscientious and observant! Hopefully this is nothing that can't be resolved with some gentle rehab care. Good for you for investigating your options!
We have some information about working with rehab vets, like:
Learn About the Benefits of Canine Rehab Therapy
How to choose a qualified rehabilitation therapy center for three-legged amputee dogs and all pets.
Canine Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Therapy Tips for Tripawds
Learn Rehab and Fitness Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs, Part 1
Learn health, fitness and exercise tips for amputee dogs and cats with Dr. Dicki L. Kennedy of Animal Rehab & Conditioning Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
Ideally you want
a veterinarian rehab practitioner, or a clinic that has a vet on-site or has a vet who works closely with that clinic. This is SO important in order to 1) prescribe proper pain meds, and 2) keep an expert eye on any other health conditions that might be causing this pain.
the practitioner to be certified as a "CCRT" or "CCRP". This ensures they're current on the latest rehab techniques.
a practitioner who wants to understand your goals (for example, if you want to be able to do some of this work at home), and will come up with a tailored rehab plan for you.
I hope this helps and Jack is feeling better soon. Let us know how the visit goes OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh and our Tripawds e-books , especially Loving Life On Three Legs , also has great info about rehab too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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