Greyhound Tripawd Gloria benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #193. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Gloria 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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My Greyhound Tripawd, Gloria, is a 6-year-old greyhound. My husband and I adopted her at age 2-1/2 through Arizona Adopt A Greyhound in April 2020 as Covid-19 closed greyhound racing in Florida. She had all four legs when we adopted her. However, she has always been prone to small scrapes and injuries since she is a very reactive and excitable dog. Also, when she’s not sure about a situation, she thinks the faster she does it, the better. This means she will try to barrel through door openings that are too small for her and speed around corners that she perceives are “too tight”, whether they actually are or not.
Gloria’s Greyhound Tripawd Journey
In December 2023, I had a foster dog in my house for a few hours and my pack of greyhounds started running in the backyard with excitement over the new visitor. While turning a corner, Gloria ran into a concrete block bordering a flower bed, fracturing her ulna and with the fracture extending into the elbow joint. After seeing an orthopedic surgeon, we opted to try to splint and bandage the leg to see if it would heal. After way more time, drama, and complications than I will mention here, we told the surgeon we wanted to amputate. Gloria is now 2 months post amputation surgery and I found the Tripawds website while researching ways to keep her healthy and strong on three legs. The Tripawds site mentioned the benefits of seeing a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) and that made lots of sense to us for Gloria’s healing journey.
I found Canine Wellness Center and made an appointment with Dr. Julia Rogers PT, DPT, CCRT for an initial consultation. At the consultation, Gloria lay on a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) pad and was given massage and laser – all to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and release tight and painful muscles. Then we moved to the exercise room where we learned several exercises to promote Gloria’s strength in her remaining limb, hindquarters, and core.
Gloria’s Tripawd Rehab Regimen
Gloria’s rehab exercises include:
- Low Cavaletti Poles – 2 sets of 5 reps, 2 times per week
- Front Limb on Low Box – 2 sets of 3 reps held for 15-30 seconds, 3-4 times per week
- Back Limbs on Low Box – 2 sets of 3 reps held for 15-30 seconds, 3-4 times per week
- Side Step Floor – 2 sets of 3 reps, 3-4 times per week
- Leg Lift – 2 sets of 3 reps held for 10-15 seconds, 2-3 times per week
- Push Up All Legs on Floor – 2 sets of 4 reps, 3-4 times per week
- Circle Massage Front Limb – daily for 5-10 minutes
The one thing that was most impactful from this visit was to realize just how much tension Gloria was carrying in her body from the injury, splinting process, and surgery. The massage made a huge difference in how she feels! Also, it was wonderful to talk to an expert about how to keep her strong and mobile.
~ Gail and Gloria
How to Find a Rehab Therapy for Tripawd Dogs and Cats
At Home Front Limb Tripawd Rehab Program