Laurie's Blogs.

Hi Laurie-

I have two patients I currently working with, both are down in the rear.  One is IVDD, the other was a trauma case, neighbor's dog pinned her down at 3 mos old and we have been slowly making progress with her.  

My question is;  they both sit with legs straight out in front of them- very rigid, and hop on their behind to get around. When we pinch toes they retract their legs inward.  I am wondering if there was something you could suggest to encourage the rear legs to come underneath them so they are able to get up?

We work in UWT with varying water levels, ball work to encourage balance, sit to stands.

Four Leg Rehab has been so very helpful!!  Thank you!!

SC

--- --- --- --- --- 

Hi S,

Sorry for my tardy reply.

Okay, so as for your cases... there really isn't one magical exercise that will do the trick.

I always combine therapy for the 'root of the problem'  (i.e. laser the spine + tail traction), and then motor relearning.

So as for motor relearning, you simply need practice, practice, practice.  Tons of practice.  Lots of sit to stand to sit ++++++ (lots), and educate the owners on postural repositioning - so that they understand the importance of correcting the legs when they stick out.

Then lots of practice with manual resistance or assistance to make the walking movements as normal as possible (best done on an UWT or Land Treadmill).

Sorry if you were hoping for a magical solution, but it really just comes down to practicing normal movements and working on the components to help them be successful, while giving verbal cues or signals so that the dog can 'try' along with your assistance.

I hope this helps a little or perhaps confirms what you have been doing.  Either way... best of luck!

Cheers,

Laurie

-- -- -- -- -- 

Hi Laurie- Your input helps very much!!  I think that re-learning and practice is the key- Its helpful to know we are going in the right direction.  Also the verbal commands- sometimes I think we forget that they know command words- a simple concept, but an important one!

I can't thank you enough for you help!!

Sincerely,

S.