Tripawd Kenai benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Kenai stay strong and love life on three legs. Read their 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.
Tripawd Kenai’s Unexpected Rehabilitation Journey
As an Occupational Therapist (OT)/Hand Therapist, I am knowledgeable about rehabilitation practices (in humans).
Nothing prepared me for the physical rehabilitation process of my 12-year-old yellow lab, Kenai, following amputation of her right front leg due to cancer.
Tripawd Kenai Teaches a Seasoned OT New Lessons
Although I have 35 years of experience as an OT, and understood how to adapt our home to meet Kenai’s needs and make life safer and easier for her, I knew little to nothing about canine rehabilitation.
Sure, many of the principles and anatomy translate from human to canine, but I still had no idea what the recommended treatment times or durations for treatment were, nor did I know about exercise progression for a dog.
I also had no idea what the most common ailments are in Tripawd dogs, so I was at a loss to prevent them or address them.
Tripawd Kenai Finds Help and Hope
After only one visit with a veterinarian, CCRP, I felt confident that I understood the biomechanical changes Kenai was experiencing and how to help alleviate them.
I learned that the “let her do what she can tolerate” approach will only lead to a deconditioned/weak, and possibly very sore, dog.
Just as with humans, we want the maximum functional independence possible for our pets.
Meaning, we want them to enjoy their life to its fullest, doing all of their favorite things, and completing as much for themselves as possible (even with modifications).
Tripawd Kenai’s Customized Rehabilitation Routine
I now know where to look for trigger points and strained muscles based on Kenai’s natural adaptations and biomechanical changes.
I can perform deep tissue massage to relieve those sore muscles:
- 2 times per day for 10 minutes
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises
I learned the importance of completing passive range of motion exercises and stretches to the back, chest, hip flexors and extensors:
- 2 times per day for 5 – 10 repetitions
- Holding stretches for 10 – 30 seconds, increasing as tolerated
Core Strength, Balance, and Endurance Training
I learned how to work on her core muscle strength to improve balance and stability (bowing, twisting, squatting):
- 2 times per day for 5-10 repetitions
- Holding stretches for 10 – 30 seconds, increasing as tolerated
I also learned about endurance walks:
- 2 times per day for 5-10 minutes
- Increasing to 30 minutes once a day, as tolerated
Professional Guidance at Home
I don’t have hydrotherapy, treadmills, nor lasers at home, but I now have the guidance of a canine rehab professional advising me on the recommended treatment exercises, duration and progression.
Tripawd Kenai’s Amazing Progress
The individualized exercises and manual massage and manipulation performed on Kenai have worked wonders!
She went into her first visit hanging her tail and having a history of several bouts of incontinence due to her sacrum being out of whack, and came out wagging normally and has had no repeat incontinence episodes after just one manual manipulation.
Tripawd Kenai’s Bright Future Thanks to Rehabilitation
Seeing a CCRP gave me the knowledge and confidence to navigate Kenai’s rehabilitation/recovery process, and I can be sure she will get the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment possible.
I’m thankful that I found a link recommending Canine Therapy and discussing the Maggie Moo grant, as I believe it encouraged me to seek outside rehabilitation help for Kenai.
And I know it will allow me to maximize her quality of life, for however long I’m blessed to have her.
— Sarah-Ann and Kenai
How to Find Rehab Therapy for Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Check Out the at Home Tripawd Rehab Program
(created by veterinary rehab therapist Dr. John Waterhouse)