Over in Minnesota, Bruce the Chocolate Lab Tripawd benefited from a free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant.
The consultation, and rehab exercises help this handsome guy 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.
Bruce the Lab Nix Tripawd is Living the Good Life, Now
This handsome pup is originally from Texas. In March 2023 he had his front right leg amputated because of a gunshot wound.
We rescued our 6 year-old German Shepherd/Lab mix tripod in June ’25, and quickly learned about the Tripawds Foundation.
Education is Power: Why We Took Bruce to Rehab Therapy
Since adding Bruce to our family, we have noticed that there is not much that holds him back, physically.
But we wanted to make sure we weren’t overdoing it and that his other joints were healthy.
We scheduled Bruce an appointment at Twin Cities Animal Rehabilitation in Blaine, MN.
What his First Rehab Appointment Was Like
Upon arriving for the appointment, we were greeted with open arms. Bruce was a bit apprehensive and nervous, but the staff did a great job taking it at his pace.
He Got Gentle Care and a Thorough Examination
During the exam, Bruce went through a number of range of motion and pain tolerance exercises. Surprisingly, he was more cooperative with his front leg versus his two rear.
Following the examination, it was determined that Bruce has reduced range of motion in his left carpus. Staff ensured us that this is common and expected with front limb amputations.
Bruce’s Rehabilitation Plan We are Following
Bruce’s rehabilitation plan includes:
- putting him on a stronger joint support supplement (Dasuquin Advanced with ESM)
- improving stretch and range of motion in his remaining front limb
- adapting his lifestyle to minimize excess load on his remaining limbs and spine
We were prescribed a few at home exercises to complete with Bruce daily.
These exercises are fairly easy on Bruce and don’t require a lot of time.
We have noticed that Bruce is much more cooperative when he is tired from the day. Also, we are to keep Bruce under 60lbs.
The At-Home Exercises for Our Tripawd Hero
Below are a list of exercises for Bruce:
Digital and carpal flexor stretch
- Bend the elbow to a ninety-degree angle and then straighten the wrist.
- Slowly start to straighten the toes by placing pressure on the bottom of the foot pad.
- Hold for 20 seconds and slowly release. Perform twice, two times daily.
Shoulder blade rocking
- Gently rock the shoulder blade side to side and up and down, 30 seconds.
- This exercise helps to loosen tight muscles around the shoulder blades.
Carpal (wrist) traction
- Place one hand above the wrist and one hand below. Gently provide traction slowly pulling the wrist downward.
- Pull and hold for 5 seconds, release slowly.
- Repeat for a total of 4 reps. This exercise helps stiff and arthritic wrists.
Carpus (wrist) range of motion
- Gently bend and straighten Bruce’s left carpus (wrist) through a comfortable range of motion
- 20 slow repetitions
- This is to improve comfort and range of motion in stiff or arthritic wrists.
We Got Great Rehab Care for Our Tripawd Hero!
Altogether, we are very pleased with our experience at Twin Cities Animal Rehabilitation, and the care they showed Bruce.
We were able to ask all the questions we had about daily routines, physical restrictions and what to look for down the road.
— Natasha and Bruce
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)