Laurie's Blogs.

Hi Laurie,

I know that you hear this all the time, but I’ll tell you again, I appreciate your website and all that you have done for the profession.  I have learned a lot from you. 

I was wondering if there is anything specific that you recommend for post op medially luxating patellas.  I have 2 coming up and I wonder if there is something more that I could do for them.  I have a plan in place but that may vary depending on how the individuals are doing.  I have divided my plan into short term, medium term and long term goals.  I am concerned about retraining their hind end as they have spent so much time walking on their tippy toes that they know no other way. I am aware of MfTP’s and SI dysfunction as being potential side bars that need to be addressed.  I was just curious as to how you handle these dogs.

My other question is what you recommend for young dogs with breed predisposition towards mlp’s.  Do you find any success in having them do sit to stands repetitively (while they are growing)?

Okay…one more, I was taught to teach families to do hamstring stretches, and massage the hams, strengthen the quads for the Grade 1 and 2 mlp’s. Is there anything more that you recommend?  I have also been incorporating some core exercises as many of them present (eventually) with back spasms.

Thanks for your help.  I hope that you have a nice weekend. 

RG

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Hi R.!

Thank you for your comments about the website.  I never get tired of hearing it!  One puts their heart and soul into this kind of venture, and really hopes that others are finding it useful!!  So thank you again!

Post op MPL's... in addition to your traditional weight bearing exercises... do things to build the glutes (huge correlation being found in humans - and we are dabbling with this successfully in dogs).  I especially love e-stim on the glutes with 3-leg stands.  You could make it more challenging by doing the same with the front legs elevated slightly (standing on a book, yoga block, cinderblock, ottoman... depending on the dog's size).

I love my land treadmill for rear leg strengthening.  I put rear legs only on the treadmill - and go forwards (with front legs off of it, standing/ placed on a platform / stool... then resist the rear legs)  or rear legs only on the treadmill facing backwards (with front legs off of it, standing on the floor... or a wee platform / stool if it's a smaller dog.)  I LOVE what I can see and feel for muscle activation with the backwards one!!!

I've not had a chance to do any kind of long term study to see if you can improve upon things with various exercises as an animal grows... but I think your idea of sit to stand is worthwhile... however, I would amend it to an exercise done while facing UP-hill... this way the back legs are utilized more!

For the grade 1 and 2s... again go big time with glute strengthening!  I like squat blocks, step ups, destination jumping, core stability exercises, I'd do these guys backwards on the treadmill as well!  Maybe wrap theraband around their middle / abdomen when they are going out for a walk... just to engage the abdominals... before allowing the dog to do any kind of off leash play / romping... sort of like it's part of their warm up activity!!

I hope this helps!!!

All the best!

Cheers,

Laurie