Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi!
I am wondering if anyone else has had experience with an older Tripawd Husky and attempting water therapy (pool and treadmill)?
I took Shaft in yesterday for our first try and he did okay considering he never really chose to swim in the past but he loves water so I thought we could give it a go. Today he is tired of course and little extra cranky, husky style. I would like to try again of course so he can get used to the whole idea and hopefully gain some strength since we can't really go on long walks anymore to get exercise.
We are 3 months post op and he actually is doing really well! He seems to be back to his old ways and sweet personality. I am continuing daily massage and prescribed therapy exercises as well as trips to the dog park and day care. But he does need some form of exercise to build strength and hopping really exhausts him because of his age and size, so I am hoping this swim therapy will end up being a good choice.
So if anyone has their own story to share related to this I would be ever so grateful!
Thanks
Lynda and Shaft
Hi Lynda and Shaft, thanks for joining us, your future posts won't require approval.
We're so glad you came here to tell us all about Shaft and your life on3 legs. How come he lost his leg? And just how old is old?
My first question is, are you and Shaft in a rehab therapy program? What kind of pool did you take him to and was there a therapist present? It's recommended that you work with a rehab therapist to help you determine the right combo of exercise and rest for him.
Have you checked out our "Loving Life on Three Legs" in the Tripawds e-books library? It's all about how to come up with a program to help strengthen and work on keeping him injury free. Our Tripawds Gear Blog also has lots of tips too, check out our latest post.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh just saw your blog! Hopping over there now...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi and welcome, Lynda and Shaft! Lexie is 14 and a husky mix (we think, but with some smaller mixes too). We started water treadmill therapy about a month or so ago and it's been great for her. In the same session we do laser therapy and massage, and we've been doing massage at home as well. (I think there's a short video link on our Pinterest page --- pinterest.com/pinsbydeb.)
Best advice is to work with a rehab therapist or rehab vet or LVT and have them start slow on the treadmill based of Shaft's comfort level. If there is a special treat or toy to use as motivation/reward that might help, too.
Our vet PT said we could work up to,longer walks as long as it's not in the heat of the day. She also said that gentle hills, uneven terrain, and different terrain (woodsy dirt path in addition to grass etc.) can be helpful to hit different muscle groups. Stretching is also very important.
We've also ordered a carpal brace since her front leg is splaying out a bit; Orthopets has nice more expensive heavy-duty braces and I'm pretty sure a husky in their gallery with braces (and they have the cutest videos). Therapaws is where our softer brace is coming from. If Shaft still has a good amount of energy it might be worth asking your vet/PT about a brace.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
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