Learn how Tripawd Otter benefitted from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s generous donors who support our Rehab Grant.
The consultation, and rehab exercises help Otter 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.
Our almost 10 year old Swiss Mountain/St. Bernard pup, Otter was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in her front right leg about a month ago.
After a week of agonizing and forced decision-making, amputation was what we felt was the best option for our girl and our family.
Support From the Tripawds Community
The Tripawds community wrapped around us like a warm blanket on a snowy day. We will forever be grateful. The amount of validation and support we received helped us make decisions we felt were impossible to make.
Otter Gets Guidance from Rehab Experts
It was this community that suggested physical therapy to help build strength and balance for our now 3-legged pup. The rehab team with Tena Hosie, PT, CCRT at Alta Dog Rehabilitation Clinic taught us techniques for strength, balance and range of motion.
Helpful Strength Exercises
- While laying on her side, we stretch each leg by bending and extending and massaging the muscles.
- For balance, we move her hips side to side and forward and back while she’s standing, along with using peanut butter on a spoon to get her to move her neck up and side to side.
- We were instructed to do this daily (3-5 reps each leg for about 5 seconds each stretch) for a few weeks, but will benefit from the stretches and massages for the rest of her life.
The Benefits of Continued Tripawd Therapy
Otter has had a TPLO on her back left leg last year and is an older dog, so these specific exercises will help the stiffness and arthritis she naturally has along with the extra soreness from now using 3 legs instead of 4.
Learning To Help Otter At Home
I would have never thought to do any of these things, but I am grateful to have learned all these ways to help Otter build strength and balance so she can have the best rest of her life! She needs stretching and exercise and rest just as much as humans do.
How Otter Thrives with Hands-On Care
We left with diagrams and instructions and they even let us record the exercises so we can make sure to do them correctly at home.
Helping Him Build Confidence
Even though we have had to make changes to our lives and home for Otters new Tripawd journey, it is so worth it. You can’t put a price on the unconditional love she gives us and everyone she meets.
Physical Therapy Helps Otter Enjoy Her Life
The physical therapy opened our eyes to what we can do to help our ginger pup have the most comfortable and enjoyable rest of her life!
— Alanna and Otter
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)