Rehabilitation and Conditioning for Animals

Lotta Common Questions


There is more to be said on any of these topics, so write me if you have a specific question. Everything I address here has happened in real life, so I am not intending to talk down to anyone. Here in Austin we have a plethora of well-educated people who are sensible other than sometimes when dealing with their animals--myself included, so I'm only tossing bread on the water--no stones.



ICE. ICE is the answer. Number 1 asked about new spasms on dogs with back problems. Ice, not heat. ICE. 20 min on bare skin or light fur, 30 on Husky-type fur. When in doubt about yourself or your animal, ice; you won't go wrong. Cut=ice. Swelling=ice. Back Spasm=ice. Mad at your Mom=ice (chill out). Ice on surgery areas up to a week after surgery (or longer, depending on whether or not you're doing too much with the animal and more swelling is happening!xox) By the way, if the dog seems painful in their back and it is a new pain, go to the vet. Really. If they are not walking, definitely go. Really really. I have worked with dogs who have had back surgery and I have worked with dogs who have back problems and have not had to have surgery. Either way, my clients will call me with any new incident (I answer my mobile and perhaps the vet is closed...), and I usually know the dog and may say whether, according to the signs and symptoms, to take in the dog or not. I don't know your dog, probably, so I will say: back pain/neck pain/walking drunk/falling down=go to vet now. More if you want to know and write me.

NO, do not swim your dog after ACL/CCL/torn cruciate ligament repair or even patella repair for at least six weeks and preferably 12 weeks. I have a light homework plan posted elsewhere in the blog and that may be used under favorable circumstances after these repairs. Swimming mechanics, if the dog uses their hind limbs at all, are not complimentary to the repair while it heals. The dog needs easy weight-bearing exercise. Since there are many ways to repair a CCL, I cover a broad spectrum and say NO. Really, your dog doesn't need to swim as much as you want them to swim, I'm pretty sure. Find another non-concussive way to entertain them for the time being. I'm in the South, and every dog "really needs to swim" as well as "needs to have his fried chicken"...

YES! Weenie dogs may swim to strengthen their backs. Circumstances vary, so think think think first. Many dogs who reportedly "don't like the water" do great swimming under controlled circumstances. Do not swim your dog if they are on steroids or other anti-inflammatories and are supposed to be resting so that spasms reduce and/or inappropriately-located disk material gets eradicated or for whatever reason they're supposed to be resting. Rest that dog! It's psychologically harder on you but so much less problematic than surgery sometimes. Use a lifejacket or at least a harness to swim a dog. Don't swim the dog using only a collar and especially not with the leash attached to the collar while swimming. No choking the dog. Only swim 5 minutes to start-they may seem to be going strong, but unless you have recently swum 5 min straight for the first time, you might not know what it is like.  Don't overdo it.  Little dogs with short legs may swim in the tub; they don't have to go anywhere, they just have to move their legs. Most dogs only move the front, but Weenies and terriers are great about using the hind. The Newfies on my page use the hind as well. (one has hip problems and is fat with thyroid issues. The other has hip problems and had surgery on both elbows).

NO-it is 99% of the time not ok for your dog who just had surgery, especially if bones were cut, drilled or broken, to walk even in the back yard to potty off the leash. Trust me, please. 1% of dogs will behave all the time and not harm the surgery. Your dog is not likely to be the 1%, mostly because 99% of you think your dog is the 1%. I even did this one. Almost really blew up a TPLO. Controlled leash walks only, even outside to potty.

In this area I get this a lot:

Tramadol is a synthetic narcotic and is for pain only. It is usually not necessary after a couple of days after surgery. Deramaxx, Rimadyl and Metacam are anti-inflammatories that also address pain, like Advil or Tylenol. DO NOT give your dog Advil or Tylenol; that was just a comparative statement. Some people discontinue the Deramaxx and keep on giving the Tramadol. The opposite should be done. And ICE.

More questions to be answered in the future

Some Feedback:

 8/25/07

"Deborah,

Thanks, this therapy stuff is really working!

Lisa"

"I was preparing for the worst for Logan my 13 year old shephard mix. After a trip to A&M I learned that she has degenerative myelopathy, disc disease, ruptured cranial cruciate ligament, and spinal issues. She had an almost impossible time getting up from our floors. Logan started to defecate in the house and seemed embarrassed at doing so. A&M suggested we try rehab and conditioning since surgery was not an option due to Logan's age. After a few weeks with Deborah , Logan is getting around a lot better.  She has an easier time getting up and moves around seemingly much more comfortable. She defecates in the house much less often. My teenage boys and their friends have noticed that Logan is trimmer, and moving around much better. They caught her on her hind legs reaching up to a counter to snatch some food, something she hasn't done in months. I can't make Logan younger but I feel that she has a higher quality of life now and is overall more comfortable. That is what I wished for her all along."

"Deborah, I should've asked sooner in case you wanted to come today but what days this week can you come see Logan? Everyone thinks she's doing better-even my sons friends are commenting that she looks leaner and that her back legs are moving better. She's walking better. Please let me know when you can come back. Thanks Allison"

4/1/08

Hi Deborah,

Hope all is well with you.  We are coming up on the one year anniversary of Lucy’s amputation.  She is doing amazingly well.  She’s a totally different dog from a year ago.  She has assumed the Alpha position and rules the roost, so to speak.  Her balance is fantastic.  We take her to the beach often and she loves running in the sand.  Thanks again for all you did for us to help all of us make it through that difficult transition.

Take care,

Stephanie