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Hi Laurie
I have struggled for exercise programs for cervical disc dogs
Keta is a 9yr old Fsp Pit Bull Mix, who 2 wks ago was acutely paretic and knuckling all 4 limbs, the dog had 1 previous episode in April-not as severe
She was treated with NSAIDS, pain meds.
We did some laser acupuncture and SM. She recovered relatively quickly-walking with only slight weakness, no knuckling, good cervical ROM with no pain
I had her do some neck stretches, reaching for treats, & some gentle balance activities.

It has been 1 mo- I gave her wide figure 8, low obstacle walking elevated stands, side stepping, but she is jumping up and wanting to be active.

I wanted to wait on any disc or ball since its so early, are lateral bending cookie stretches a good idea? I have always been cautious.
I have hear of other people doing a neck exercise-not sure what to call it-dog grabs treat and pulls back, or grabbing a toy and gentle tug-is this a good idea
At 1 mo out what sort of exercises should we be doing?
Thanks
AM

Hey AM,
I can give you therapy ideas!

I would add traction for the neck and ROM-cookie exercises (within pain tolerance - if willing to turn, let her turn).
I’d also mobilize C5 - 7 and T1-2 to increase blood flow.
(Treating the ‘root’ of the problem)
And keep up with lasering the neck.

I would be cautious of tug - especially with a bully-breed, and especially at one month out. Maybe 3 months out? (maybe 2 if all is good…)
Stick with the cookie Ex- ROM.

I’m okay with the obstacles, side stepping, etc.
Maybe add in backing up. 3-leg stands, progressing to Diagonal stands.
Then I’d be okay with a disc, or a mattress. (Low to the ground, easier to control.) A peanut / ball scares me a bit too - mostly from the perspective of getting on and off and the need to be ready to catch the dog if she loses balance.
I’d do more static balance training - add displacements (i.e. theraband pulls during a 3-leg stand).
If you have a land treadmill - then walking on the treadmill while pushing on a hip or shoulder or pulling the torso or waist with theraband, etc.
Ooh, weave poles, stair climbing, sit to stands facing up hill, some generalized strengthening.

I hope this helps!

Laurie