I have been asked about therapy for a dog that was involved in a traumatic incident in a car in which damage occurred to the ligamentous support of the tarsus. The tarsus was put into hyper-extension. It has been almost a month since to incident. Visible hyper-extension when the dog walks and there is still swelling in the joint. The dog's activity has not been restricted well, as was recommended by the vet. Vet has ruled out surgery. Would a flexible splint be an option? Gastroc strengthening after a period of limited activity? This is a 5 month old 60 lb pit. He is full of energy. Would swimming(or underwater treadmill) give this dog an outlet for his energy and keep him from atrophy or would this cause more inflammation? Help please?
Thank you
Tarsus Hyper-extension
Re: Tarsus Hyper-extension
Good job Whitney!
YES to all of the above!!!
I would put this dog in a soft tarsal wrap - my favourite being the TarsoFlex from Therapaw. You might want to send a picture & e-mail in to get a bit more info, but I'm thinking you would also add a strap (which usually comes with the kit) to the front of the tarsus, to maintain the flexed posture and reduce the breakover. You don't need to overdo the support... just provide a little protection. This should be on for any walks, or supervised around the house. The dog should be confined when not supervised.
You could do or prescribe gastrocs exercises now (sit to stands - eventually facing up hill - would be something to consider sooner than later, and likely with the brace off for this particular exercise.
Modalities to reduce swelling and joint inflammation would be indicated.
And your thoughts re swimming or UWT are totally justified as well. Depending on how he looks in the water, you are likely going to want to have him wear a wrap in the water... in which case, he should have two wraps for when the one gets wet.
Looks like your thinking is totally correct to me!
Cheers,
Laurie
YES to all of the above!!!
I would put this dog in a soft tarsal wrap - my favourite being the TarsoFlex from Therapaw. You might want to send a picture & e-mail in to get a bit more info, but I'm thinking you would also add a strap (which usually comes with the kit) to the front of the tarsus, to maintain the flexed posture and reduce the breakover. You don't need to overdo the support... just provide a little protection. This should be on for any walks, or supervised around the house. The dog should be confined when not supervised.
You could do or prescribe gastrocs exercises now (sit to stands - eventually facing up hill - would be something to consider sooner than later, and likely with the brace off for this particular exercise.
Modalities to reduce swelling and joint inflammation would be indicated.
And your thoughts re swimming or UWT are totally justified as well. Depending on how he looks in the water, you are likely going to want to have him wear a wrap in the water... in which case, he should have two wraps for when the one gets wet.
Looks like your thinking is totally correct to me!
Cheers,
Laurie
LAURIE EDGE-HUGHES