Tripawd Zuke learned new exercises thanks to the free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy made possible by donations to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant.
The consultation, and rehab exercises help Zuke 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.
Zuke is a 2.5-year-old stub tailed chocolate heeler (cattle dog).
He was found in January 2024 alone in a remote desert location in New Mexico with a badly injured left forelimb.
After passing through five homes and ending up at Boulder Humane Society in Boulder, Colorado, we adopted him, and renamed him Zuke.
He’s been through a lot and struggles to feel safe and secure.
Tripawd Zuke Begins Rehab Evaluation
We took Zuke to Walking Paws Rehab in Boulder, CO on October 25 for an initial evaluation and consultation with Kerry Kilgannon, MSc Vet Physio, EEBW, MRAMP, MNAVP.
She was able to assess some things about Zuke’s physical condition, but he was challenged by the physical exam and stressed by the environment overall.
We left early and finished the consultation by Zoom.
What the Rehab Assessment Revealed for Tripawd Zuke
What she was able to determine is that Zuke seems relatively healthy, with no joint or nerve issues detected at this point.
She noted that he has no carpal hyper extension in his right forelimb so far.
She said the most important thing we can do for Zuke is to help him lose weight (he is a bit overweight).
Tripawd Zuke Receives Home Care Plan
We were given a home program of massages and stretches designed to support his overall mobility, strength and joint health.
She recommended that we consider an Orthopets carpal wrap to support his remaining forelimb when taking longer walks or on uneven terrain.
We were also given a lot of information about possible joint supplements, and Kerry recommended that we start with three supplements: Fish oil (EPA), Collagen type I and III, and 4CYTE (containing Epiitalis).
Recommended Massage and Stretching to Support Tripawd Zuke
The following massages and stretches are recommended for Zuke 5 days/week:
- Residual Limb Warm Pack to help soothe and support Zuke’s remaining forelimb, which does a lot of work.
- Tap and brush Zuke’s joints to help prepare him for movement
- Scapular glide to help mobilize his shoulder joint on both sides.
- Several spinal massages: general neck, cervical, thoracolumbar, and massage specific to forelimb amputees, to support his neck and spine, which work harder as he bobbles when he walks.
- Shoulder, bicep and tricep massages, and subsequent stretching of bicep and tricep muscles, to keep his residual forelimb flexible and relaxed.
- Hip and hindlimb massages and subsequent stretching of hip flexors to loosen them. His hip flexors are tight because he has an altered stance with hindlimbs forward to help support his body in the absence of one forelimb.
Tripawd Zuke Moving Forward at Home
We have been performing the home massage and stretching program (see photos), and have introduced fish oil, 4CYTE and collagen powder.
We have adjusted Zuke’s diet, under advice of his main veterinarian, to facilitate losing 5 lbs.
He has already lost more than half of that!
We plan to take Zuke back to Walking Paws for a more thorough assessment and treatment after he has had a few months in our home and is feeling safer and more secure.
— Peg and Zuke
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)