Rear leg Tripawd Pi benefits from canine rehab evaluation thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #160. Pi’s free consultation and at-home rehab exercises help her stay strong and fit. 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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Meet Tripawd Rescue Pi
On March 22 of this year I saw a post in my local FB group about a dog that had been hit by a car in town. It had been taken to the vet by the Police Department and told to euthanize her if no one claimed her. After her 5 day stray hold was up, I had them perform the surgery and I brought her home to be part of my family, naming her Pi. The vet estimated her to be 6 months at the time. I had a DNA done and she is 30% GSD, 30% Malinios, 30% Pitt Bull, & 10% supermutt. So basically a mixture of the 7 best dogs in town. 😉
I knew from day 1, I would need to learn the best ways to keep Pi pain free and healthy as long as I could so I started research and came across your organization. After researching your list of therapists in my area, I decided on Dr. Emily Hall of Tulsa Animal Rehab and Wellness.
Canine Rehab Helps Rear Leg Tripawd Pi
After our initial evaluation, I knew that had so much to learn. Dr. Emily is amazing and has a special place in her heart for Tripawds. We are in the very beginning stages of learning how to preform the exercises (Pi and I both!).
The first thing we were given were massages and stretches to practice, then came the exercises. Each of these are 2-3 times daily:
- Hind limb on box- walk her over a slightly elevated surface until only her hind leg remains on it. Work up to holding 10 seconds. This helps with rear end awareness and balance.
- Front paws on balance disc. Work up to 20 seconds. This helps with balance and works shoulder muscles.
- Side bend to waist. I support her from the back and lure her to bend her head to each side to her waist. 2 x each direction. This keeps her flexible.
- Side nose touches on a disc. I have her front foot target a disc and have her hand touch to the left and right. 5x each direction. This shifts her weight from side to side.
- Waking backward. Lure her to take 2-3 steps (hops?) backward. 5 times a session for coordination and balance
- Weave 4 poles. Lure her through poles. This helps with balance. 2-3 times
- Set up poles to have her step over, making sure her back legs doesn’t skip sections. This works on control. Several times or until she barely begins to show she’s tired
- Swimming- length of pool work up to 4-5 times for low impact strengthening
I’m sure these exercises have more influence on the dog than I’m saying, I’m just learning myself. I have learned (in just two visits) how important it is to learn and train the exercises in the correct way that benefits the dog most. It’s easy to train something fast and fun, but I must slow them down and really concentrate on what she is doing and what muscles she is using.
I have learned a lot through the Tripawds website and all the resources as well.
~ Heather & Pi
Go Pi! So happy this program had helped your Mom get you started on the road to conditioning work for you!
Tracy & Spirit Maggie