Senior Tripawd Beagle “Bogus” benefits from personalized canine rehab plan thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #143. The free evaluation and rehab exercises help Bogus stay fit and strong. Read his story, 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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My name is Jessica Jensen and I consulted with certified practitioner Dr. Ana Esquivel at ACE of Paws Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation, who developed a canine rehab plan for our senior Tripawd Bogus
Bogus is a 15.5-year-old beagle living in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his sister, Burcak (16 year old beagle) and two parents. We did not adopt Bogus as a Tripawd. Bogus has lived with us since he was 8 weeks old. He recently became a Tripawd on November 23, 2022 when he had his front left limb amputated due to multiple soft tissue sacromas. I heard about Tripawds from the surgeon, Dr. Natasha Stanke at the VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital who performed Bogus’ surgery. She provided me with information about the organization so we could connect with the community, learn from others, and make an informed decision before proceeding with the amputation. I am grateful to learn about you as a great resource.
Bogus’ Canine Rehab Plan
Bogus visited ACE of Paws on 12/27/2022 for an initial evaluation and to create a personalized canine rehab plan. The exercises I was given and the frequency which I am to do them with Bogus is outlined below.
- TL Flex Extend PROM (sets 1, reps 10, frequency 1-2x/day). With one hand hold the upper front limb. With the other hand gently bend the limb then straighten the limb.
- PL Flex Extend PROM (sets 1, reps 10, frequency 1-2x/day). With one hand hold the upper hind limb. With the other hand gently straighten and bend the limb.
- Cookie stretches/Side Bends Standing (sets 1, reps 5, frequency 2x/day). With the dog in a standing position, use a treat or toy to lure the note to the hip. Reward.
- Hip rocks forwards and backwards in Standing (sets 2, reps 10, frequency 1-2x day, duration 10 seconds). Standing behind the dog, place the hands around the thighs. Gently push the dog forward and backward.
- Hip rocks side to side in Standing (sets 2, reps 10, frequency 1-2x day, duration 10 seconds). Standing behind the dog, place the hands on the thighs and gently push the dog from side to side.
- Figure 8 floor (sets 1, reps 2-4, frequency 1-2x day). With the dog on a leash, using a treat or toy, slowly guide the dog to walk in a “Figure 8”.
- Cavaletti Poles Low (sets 1, reps 3-4, frequency 1-2x day) – place pole on ground level up to wrist level. With a treat or toy lure the dog slowly over the poles to promote active range of motion of the limbs. The goal is to walk over poles without hopping over them.
- Level 2 Stand TL Box Low (sets 1, reps 3-5, hold 30 seconds, frequency 1-2x day). With a treat or toy, ask dog to place the front paws on a low box. Hold position for 10 seconds and work up to goal of 30 seconds at a time.
- Level 2 Stand PL Box Low (sets 1, reps 5, hold 30 seconds, frequency, 1-2x day). With a treat or toy lure the dog to over a box until the pelvic paws are on the box and the thoracic paws are on the floor; reward. Lure to maintain a standing position; reward.
- Sit to Stand on Floor (sets 1, reps 3-5, frequency 1-2x/day). With the dog in a sitting position, with a treat or toy lure them forward into a standing position. Reward.
- T-spine Extension Bow (sets 1, reps 5, hold 10 sec, frequency 2x day). With the dog in a comfortable standing position, using a treat or toy to lure them to reach their front paws under a cavaletti pole. To keep them from Laying down, an arm may be placed under the belly.
Summary
Our canine rehab plan includes these exercises because in addition to being a Tripawd, Bogus also has arthritis. With weakness in his hind legs, the intent is to strengthen them and improve his overall form and mobility. He is an older dog and we are looking to benefit his quality of life. What I learned most from the experience of taking Bogus to rehab is that he really enjoyed the environment; it was his favorite vet ever!
They were very kind, filled with positive energy, motivated Bogus with treats, and made him feel comfortable. I have created a space in our house for Bogus’ physical therapy with a mat, treats, and lots of love, where he hopefully feels this same excitement for his physical therapy.