Tripawd Ajax benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises give this Tripawd hero the best quality of life! 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.
Meet Tripawd Ajax: A Gentle Soul on a Strong Journey
Our dog, Ajax, is approximately 13 years old (he was a rescue). He is a Jack Russel terrier mix. We have had him since 2017. Ajax isn’t a fancy dog- no long beautiful hair, no regal stance, no impressive pedigree. He is just the sweetest, most well-behaved (usually) dog we’ve ever known.
Ajax Gets an Osteosarcoma Diagnosis
In March of 2024 Ajax was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. After consultation with the surgeon and the oncologist we decided to go ahead and have his leg amputated in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Regardless of the problem with his leg, Ajax continued to be such a happy, perky, sweet dog with an unassuming demeanor. He still loved to go out on walks, visit people, and seemed to be happy and full of life.
We know he trusts us to do what is best for him and we decided it was best to give him a full chance.
Discovering the Tripawds Community and Finding Support
We were introduced to Tripawds through an internet search. It is a very helpful site! I was so relieved to read in Tripawds that there were specialists who could help our dog recover.
Ajax seemed be having trouble with the strength in his back leg and was having sudden yelping events and so three weeks post-surgery, we took Ajax to West Delray Veterinary and we saw Dr. Jodi Weiser. She was very kind, thorough, and knowledgeable!
Tripawd Ajax Starts a Ten-Week Rehab Program
She explained that the main goals for Ajax’s therapy would be:
- to improve weight bearing
- gait
- strength
- muscle mass on his back leg
- increase his flexibility
- reduce his pain
We will be going to rehab for at least 10 weekly sessions.
Ajax’s First Rehab Visit
Our first therapy visit was mainly for pain and muscle tightness relief. Ajax was given a massage and pemf therapy (Assisi loop) as well as stretches. He even tolerated the water therapy (unlike his normal baths)!
His At-Home Exercise Plan
We were initially given:
- massages
- passive range of motion
- cookie stretches
- weight shifting exercises
to do with Ajax at home and we were told to do them once a day or once every other day depending on how well he tolerated the exercises.
- The cookie stretches are for spinal flexibility, balance, and coordination.
- The weight shifting exercise should help build strength in his back leg and core.
West Delray Veterinarian has videos on YouTube to help us out with how to do many of these. Here is their full canine rehab therapy playlist:
We were also prescribed an anti-inflammatory in addition to the gabapentin for pain relief.
Building Strength: Ajax’s Next Steps
Our second appointment introduced:
- a two-legged stand
- a weaving exercise
- a ‘sit’ exercise (he has trouble transitioning)
Again, we do these exercises every day if tolerated.
Tripawd Rehab: A Lesson in Trust and Expertise
I think what we have learned is how important it is to reach out to, and learn from, experienced, knowledgeable professionals.
— William, Vikky, and Ajax
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)