External rotation in TPLO dog

[lehughes]

Hi Laurie! I am a human PT that is currently practicing canine rehab in Maine after receiving my CCRP through the U of Tenn. I have a mastiff/pitt mix who just had a TPLO on her RHL at the end of Mar. She is 4 weeks out and is externally rotating the operated limb when she walks. Do you recommend any exercises I can do with her to correct this? Currently, we have been doing the UWTM, cavaletti rails and I have been doing core and balance exercises with physioballs/peanuts. We have an uwtm but not a regular treadmill. Thanks! J

[lehughes]

Hi J.,

I do have a trick for that! I’m going to cut and paste it for you from the Exercise Prescription Website that I helped to create (FourLegExercise.com).
It’s not uncommon! (The goal is to make it worse before it gets better… it might seem counterintuitive, but it works.) Let me know if you have any questions!

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Using an elastic bandage, start by laying the bandage over the dog's back with both ends draped to each side. Then cross the ends under the abdomen and loop each rear leg from outside and backwards to inside and forwards. Do not cross the ends again, just pull them out to the sides in front of each leg and to the side of the abdomen. Tie the ends up over the dog's back. Then walk your dog for 5 - 10 minutes.

Cheers,

Laurie