Tripawd Boxer Sergeant benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #194. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Sergeant 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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Sergeant is an 8 year old male Boxer. In December, we made the difficult decision to amputate Sergeant’s right forelimb after an MRI showed the presence of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor in his “armpit” area. While I was researching pet amputation, I found the Tripawds website and immediately dove in. The resources provided on the Tripawds website helped me to make this decision, and also alerted me to the critical importance of protecting and maintaining mobility for pet amputees. As a result, once Sergeant completed radiation therapy, I again used the resources on the Tripawds website to locate a credentialed provider near me, and found P.A.W.S. for Rehabilitation.
How Rehab Has Helped Tripawd Boxer Sergeant
At Sergeant’s initial consultation, they analyzed his gait and performed a full musculoskeletal and neurological exam, and we discussed my goals for physical therapy. My primary goals were to improve and protect Sergeant’s mobility and get assistance adjusting his Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair (provided free on loan from Tysons Love and Hope for Rehabilitation, a wonderful non-profit organization that loans wheelchairs free of charge for life to animals with mobility issues). During the physical exam, P.A.W.S. identified some areas on Sergeant’s spine that were causing him discomfort, so we added pain relief as a treatment goal.
The recommended course of treatment was acupuncture, spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, and hydrotherapy. Unfortunately, a few days after his consultation, we found ourselves at the emergency vet due to repeated vomiting. After a few days’ hospitalization, we identified that Sergeant had an obstruction that required surgery and a 7-day hospital stay. As a result, I worked with P.A.W.S. to modify Sergeant’s treatment plan for financial reasons, and we removed the hydrotherapy. I hope to add it back in the future when I am able financially.
Once Sergeant recovered from surgery, he had his first treatment appointment. Dr. Patterson performed spinal manipulation and acupuncture, and then we went over his at-home exercise plan. Each exercise is designed to strengthen Sergeant’s remaining limbs and core, or improve his balance.
Sergeant’s prescribed exercises are:
- Front-Limb-on-Box
- Rear-Limbs-on-Box
- Sphinx to Sit, Sit to Down
- and Two-Limb Balance.
I’ve attached a picture of our first attempt at performing these exercises at home, and a picture of Sergeant during his acupuncture treatment – judging from the smile on his face, I think he enjoyed it.
Dr. Stephanie Patterson, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVPP, and her team at P.A.W.S. for Rehabilitation have been wonderful to work with. They were flexible and understanding and compassionate when we had to scrap the treatment plan due to Sergeant’s emergency surgery. I would highly recommend them to anyone in the Virginia Beach area.
I remain so grateful to the Tripawds Community for the wealth of information, resources, and support they provide. The financial burden of amputation, radiation, emergency hospitalization, and now rehab have been overwhelming, so this program is absolutely a godsend!
~ Vicki and Sergeant
How to Find a Rehab Therapy for Tripawd Dogs and Cats
At Home Front Limb Tripawd Rehab Program