Tripawd Doberman Pinscher Kaiser benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #206. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Kaiser 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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Kaiser is a 6 yr. old Doberman Pinscher we have had since he was a puppy and was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg. He had his right front leg amputated on 9/9/24 and had his first canine rehabilitation therapy session on 9/16/24 with Dr. Kat Smith with Furever Strong K9 Rehabilitation.
We were set up with 5 rehab sessions with 4 main exercises and 1 massage introduced during our initial consultation therapy session. Dr. Kat facilitated these 4 exercises and 1 massage with Kaiser during his 1st session and we are to complete these on a daily basis.
Tripawd Doberman Kaiser’s Rehab Regimen
Exercise #1 is called Extend PL Medium Box with a treat or toy where we ask Kaiser to place the thoracic paw on a medium box or bolster pad and have him try to hold that stance for 30 seconds for 2 repetitions. This exercise is designed to build the back leg muscles.
Exercise #2 is called Step Low Cavaletti where we place 3 cavaletti poles on the ground about wrist level. With a treat or toy lure Kaiser slowly over the poles to promote active range of motion of the 3 limbs. The goal is to slowly guide Kaiser through the poles, he should not jump over or skip any poles and do 10 laps of this exercise daily.
Exercise #3 is called Backwards Walking where we stand in front of Kaiser, hold a treat just below his nose and walk into him causing him to walk backwards with the goal of taking 6-10 steps backwards and repeat 3 times on a daily basis. This exercise is designed to promote active range of motion, build back leg muscles and improve his gait.
Exercise #4 is called Hind Limb PROM where we hold the upper hind limb with one hand and with the other hand gently straighten and bend the limb. Emphasis on extending the back limb behind the pelvis to help stretch the hip flexors and thigh. 10-15 reps with a 3 second hold for each leg done on a daily basis.
Massage Therapy Helps Kaiser Heal
Massage #1 is called Circle Massage Low Back where we use a gentle kneading-like motion to massage the muscles of the low back, using flat fingers in a gentle circular motion throughout. This will help with releasing knots and stiff muscles. 5-8 minutes of massage done daily.
The main things we learned or the keys to success from these exercises is to decrease pain and get Kaiser moving, build-up his strength and balance with a progressive program, resume regular activities gradually and without setbacks and to get to a regular workout and activity routine. We are grateful to have found Tripawds through some internet searching for assistance with dog amputation and osteosarcoma experiences. We are so glad to have found a mobile canine rehab therapist using the Canine Rehab Institute Global Directory recommended on the Tripawds website.
~ Matt and Tripawd Doberman Kaiser