Senior Tripawd Booey benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and treatment thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #182. The free consultation, and at-home rehab exercises help Booey stay strong and love life on three legs. 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 Senior Tripawd Booey
Breed and Age
Booey is part Husky and Chocolate Lab, age 10.
History of Amputation
In the fall of September 2023, he pulled his right hind CCL. We had recently moved to a new province and waited a month before a specialist could see him. He had what they described as a global tear by the time he was assessed. To be more specific, the surgeon’s words were “The only thing keeping this leg together is muscle and skin.” It was decided to go forward with the cruciate repair, with multiple implants to replicate the torn ligaments. Unfortunately, the implants did not take. In his second surgery, it was decided that removing the leg was the most responsible thing to do. Noted in his medical record the following: “A swivel lock extra-articular implant laterally was used to stabilize the cruciate and lateral collateral ligament injury; a further implant with bone anchors across the medial collateral ligament injury was placed, but these did not hold during the recovery period and, as a result, the right hind was amputated.”
Treating Canine Rehab Practitioner
On March 29, 2024, Booey completed his first physiotherapy assessment by Canine Physiotherapist Kristy-Jane Powell-Palmer at Furability Inc. Kristy is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVAP). She is also a certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCRT) and has a BSc in Veterinary Nursing.
Booey’ Rehab Exercises
We were shown two exercises to begin with: wrist flexing 2-3 times a day to help with ROM, in addition to cold treatment on the hind leg joint after walks. Decrease walks to 5 mins with 10 mins rests. Sphinx hip rotations 3-4 times a day. Both exercises are to occur daily, up to 4 times a day. Heat is to be applied to wrists before exercise begins. Booey was also measured for a cart/wheelchair. Links to a recommended site were indicated in Booey’s report. Options for locating a used cart were also discussed.
Kristy demonstrated the exercises during our assessment. A full report was sent to us and our local vet. Further suggestions were made regarding additional supplements. Booey’s summary noted that he has been kept lean, but is showing signs of reduced muscle mass. Further discussed was our long-term goal, which will be to strengthen his muscles to provide more support. We are to continue to use his full Help’em Up harness to assist his remaining rear leg.
In addition, senior Tripawd Booey’s rear stifle was assessed as unstable since the loss of his right hind leg in combination with a historical CCL injury to his left rear leg. Therefore, Booey’s forelimbs are starting to show early signs of crepitus with symptoms of reduced ROM. Ways to increase mental stimulation were also discussed with lick mats and hidden treats in towels or snuffle mats (he already has one of these), along with food puzzles. Booey’s initial session also included a laser treatment to both front shoulders, elbow, spine, and remaining rear leg.
Lessons Learned from Rehab for Booey
This experience was fascinating. Kristy was very thorough, warm, and approachable. I had many questions and occupied significant amounts of time inquiring about how, when, and why. The most impressive and comforting experience was witnessing Booey’s response to the laser treatment. With his stark amber eyes, he was a little uneasy about Kristy poking his body. As she worked the wand down his leg and spine, he closed his eyes, laid his chin on the floor, and started to purr like a kitten. It was incredible and moving!
We became informed on the impact of having to adjust to being a senior Tripawd. His wrists compared to other dogs are pretty tight, and they will not flex back as they should. This has helped us to become more mindful in understanding how his body is working. Being attuned to him is very important to us, and our work with Kristy has helped significantly. We will continue to see her weekly for further laser treatment and assessment as we increase his exercises.
How Did We Find Out About Tripawds
When Booey lost his leg, we were exhausted with the lack of recovery, a surgery, a failed surgery, and then a pretty rough recovery after his amputation. After several sleepless nights due to incorrect pain medication, we were desperate to find help. I somehow came across the Tripawds Foundation in my pursuit of knowledge. My husband and I were exhausted and brokenhearted, seeing our pup in pain. I quickly became a member of Tripawds and looked for answers! To my ever-thankful surprise, a reply was there immediately. I may have cried. Needless to say, we are now submerged in the online Tripawds Community and are forever grateful for their support.
Read Booey’s Tripawds Blog: https://booboo.tripawds.com/
~ Selina, Andrew and Boo-Boo
How to Find a Rehab Therapy for Tripawd Dogs and Cats
At Home Rear Limb Tripawd Rehab Program