River the Golden Retriever mix Tripawd dog is enjoying the benefits of massage and gentle exercise, thanks to donors of Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. This lucky pup’s consultation, and rehab exercises will help him stay strong and love life on three legs. Read River’s story, and learn how you can get a free veterinary rehab evaluation for your dog or cat.
See all Tripawds who have received free rehab sessions thanks to your support.
River is my 6 year old Golden Mix, rear leg Tripawd.
I adopted him in March 2020 at age 6 months and he had just had his leg amputated the month before due to a smashed and fractured knee and lower leg, that was unable to be repaired.
It was an adjustment for him and for me as well, but he did so well. I was amazed!
Tripawd River Stays Strong Through Swimming
For the first 6 years of his life, he was able to swim 3 days a week at my business. I had an indoor rehab pool for dogs (we closed last December). That kept his muscles very strong and I saw no issue with his back leg.
Now I take him every other week to swim to an indoor pool an hour away. He has begun to show a lot of weakness in his back leg and his muscle tone is becoming less.
Tripawd River Faces a New Diagnosis
After an x-ray, was discovered he had Hip Dysplasia. Of note… the other leg (hip) that was amputated was perfect. Go figure….
Tripawd River Gets Help From Rehab Therapy
I found Sharon Center Veterinary Hospital in Medina, Ohio. I worked with Dr. Robert Nathan and had his first initial appointment to see what might be helpful to alleviate his pain and regain some strength in his hip muscle.
You can see by the pictures, Dr. Nathan and I decided that the underwater Treadmill would greatly benefit him as well as Cold Laser treatment. He did so well on the treadmill, amazingly for a rear leg Tripawd. He really loved it !
River Learns New Home Exercises
He also showed me some massages I could do at home.
You can see by one of the pictures, I am doing full range of motion, which will continue to keep his joint, tendons and ligaments from shortening. It also will help lubricate the joint and increase blood flow.
Enjoying the Benefits of Targeted Massage
I was instructed to massage his chest and shoulder muscles. Since dogs carry the majority of their weight in the front, and Tripawds change their center of gravity, it is important to keep their chest, shoulders and core relaxed and strong.
Also, I massage his thigh (inside and out) to loosen the tightness in both areas. This is an area that will tighten up and cause pain on many Tripawds because of the way they use them.
River’s Daily Exercise Routine
I am to do these exercises 2-3 times a day. These exercise were given for River so he will continue to live a long, strong and pain free life. I am seeing some really helpful responses in all areas.
He Now Enjoys a Full and Active Life
I have learned working with a rehab vet, that, just because dogs are missing a leg, they can still have a very fun and fulfilling life, enjoying all the experiences that 4-legged dogs can have.
This was a wonderful experience and I am so grateful I have Sharon Center Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Nathan.
I will be taking River back in November and will continue to work with Dr. Nathan, to make sure River lives his best tripawd life.
— Judy and River
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)