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Post by Donna & Rudy on Jul 7, 2023 10:10:51 GMT -7
Thank you Paula. We just took Rudy to the vet today for his evaluation. He did get his nails trimmed. They were wonderful with him. I have learned so much from you at Dodgerslist. I told the vet about it, and hope to give him some Dodgerslist info when I go back. The nail clipping info was very informative. Thank you again for all the help! I’ll keep you posted on Rudy’s progress as we start his PT 😊
7/11 update:
I’ve started doing PT with Rudy. from the video you sent. I have also been allowing him to walk with his back, supported with a soft belt. My question is how long should I do this each
today? I don’t want to tire him out. I could not get on that link that was for the sample schedule of how to proceed after the eight weeks crate rest. We have build him a larger area to have room to move without too much room to move. He Usually lays in his bed within this area. Just want to be sure. I am not doing too much too soon. Thank you 😊
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 11, 2023 12:37:40 GMT -7
Donna, thank you for letting us know the link to the Sample rehab schedule was broken in Marjorie's post. Here is the link: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly that contains a week by week approach to safely re-introducing activity back into Rudy's life after graduation from rest. Along with the reason behind a slow approach are lots of other good "Tips For The IVDD Warrior And His Owner" you will find of interest. |
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Post by Donna & Rudy on Aug 6, 2023 10:06:51 GMT -7
Hi Paula. Rudy’s progress has been slow. He graduated about 4 weeks ago. I’ve been doing the PT you had sent as well as walking him with back legs supported with soft belt. His rear left leg is still the weakest. I think I should consider taking him to a canine physical therapist. What do you suggest? ( he walks and sometimes even trots well with the belt but I’m not noticing any strength improvement in his left leg especially) I don’t know if I’m being too impatient but I don’t want to go on much longer and not see improvement. Again, thanks in advance
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 6, 2023 14:11:54 GMT -7
Donna, it does take time for nerves to heal. If you want to pursue a therapy, Underwater Treadmill would be the one. Here is why: The movement of the hip joints and muscles and the changes in pressure on the paws from the underwater treadmill triggers spinal cord communication with the brain. Water buoyancy makes it easier than leg movements against gravity on land. There is not only the potential to regrow damaged neuronal path ways but also for neuron to muscle re-education to learn the art of walking again. |
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Post by Donna & Rudy on Aug 26, 2023 9:11:43 GMT -7
Hello - just wanted to update you on Rudy’s progress. I couldn’t get in to have him evaluated for PT until September 7, so we have been working at home with him.
I recently bought a 12” x 5’ foldable pool. We put his life jacket on him and he swims in there. I’ve enclosed a picture. Of Course we stay with him 😊. He didn’t seem to appreciate the PT but he enjoys this. He can walk now, although somewhat wobbly. He practically runs down the hallway to get into our bedroom because he loves being up on the bed. I’m still planning on taking him to Pet PT next month.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 26, 2023 9:34:00 GMT -7
Donna, loving hearing this progress. Sorry the picture did not appear in this post.
Have you tried lowering the water level to give walking more resistance to increase muscle tone?
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Post by Donna & Rudy on Aug 26, 2023 11:36:29 GMT -7
Sorry I couldn’t get the picture placed. Thank you for the good idea!!. We will lower the water so he can walk across it, Rather than swim.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 26, 2023 12:10:27 GMT -7
Donna, good examples and explanation of water level in the treadmill video you can apply in your pool.
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