Tripawds Community member elisel is recipient #92 of the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab After Amputation. Read on for details about the benefits of free canine rehab for Tripawd Doberman puppy Oskar, and learn how you can get a free veterinary rehab evaluation for your dog or cat.
Yes! Tri-kitties qualify for free feline rehab too. See all Tripawds who have received free rehab sessions thanks to your support.
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Free Rehab for Tripawd Doberman Oskar
When we began our search for our new dog, we knew we wanted a special needs animal. Being in the field of special education, I have a very large spot in my heart for these animals. We have already rescued two special needs cats. We stumbled upon a 7 month old Doberman Pinscher at Dumb Friends League in Denver in October 2020. When my husband called to inquire about him, we were told he had a recent amputation, and that sealed the deal for us. We found out that Oskar, our new pup, had been born with a front leg deformity. He was not able to walk on that leg, but he was still trying to balance himself with it, which was causing sores. Our therapist also said he eventually would have developed long term spinal issues due to the imbalance.
In my work as a special education teacher, I have worked with many students who needed physical therapy. I started wondering what kind of post-amputation support our new Tripawd Doberman Oskar may need, and eventually stumbled upon Tripawds. I began reading about different exercises Tripawds can do and thought I might need the help of a professional. Through the Rehab Reimbursement page, I started researching different clinics near me. After calling many, I went with K9 Body Shop in Arvada, CO.
On our first visit, we met with Dr. Tammy Wolfe and I cannot speak highly enough of her! Almost two months after bringing Oskar home, we are still working on some training/behavioral issues, and Dr. Tammy was so patient with us and him. She took the time to make all of us feel comfortable and really focused on what our goals were. Dr. Tammy recommended weekly visits where Oskar would use the underwater treadmill. She would also do some manual spine work with him, as he is already displaying some rounding of the spine. She also gave us four exercises to do with him daily to improve balance and strength.
The first exercise is called “Rhythmic Stabilization”. This consists of gently pushing on one side of his back while he is staying and then switching sides, increasing speed as you go. Another exercise involves lifting one leg up at a time and moving it around in circles. She also wants him to spend time walking backwards and in circles. On top of the exercises, she taught us how to massage the muscles around his spine, as they can be quite tight from holding himself up. Finally, she taught us how to gently pull on his tail, which can act as a traction or decompression of the spine.
We have been back to the clinic once so far to get Oskar into the underwater treadmill (pictures attached). While it was clear he hated being in the water, he did it. While we have learned much from Dr. Tammy, the greatest part of our experiences with the K9 Body Shop was how they treated Oskar. Most people we encounter treat him with pity, but the staff at K9 Body Shop treat Oskar just like any dog. I absolutely love going there because, to them, he is the norm.
~ Elise and Tripawd Doberman Oskar (aka: elisel)
I need help financially with my tripod, Priscilla, hind leg amputation. I take her once a week to Aqua therapy in Cincinnati Ohio, the closest place to my home which is Jackson Ohio. It is a 2 hour and 15 minute drive one way. The only thing I need help with is the unbelievably reasonable cost of $25 for the aqua therapy treatment, gasoline and wear and tear on my vehicle. Can you help?
The other thing I need help With, advice at a minimum, is the possibility of a brace for her front leg which is opposite the hind leg that is a amputated. It is now turning out, the term used by her veterinarian and her specialist. It has been one year since her amputation, and I don’t want this turning out and arthritis to progress any further. I need advice for a brace and I’ll need help on the cost. I can send pictures and video of my baby. She is a 13 year old Italian Greyhound in need. I am 57 years old on a fixed income. So far I have been able to pay all the costs myself of her mast cell cancer surgery follow-ups, amputation and so forth. I’m just now to the point where I need a little help.
Depending upon when your first rehab consultation was, you may qualify for reimbursement. Review complete details here. Please cnsult with your certified rehab therapist regarding a brace. Learn much more about braces for Tripawds in the News Blog.