Lucky Xander! He received free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to our donors who help fund the Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant.
The consultation, and rehab exercises will help Xander 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.
Our 11-year-old Labrador mix, Xander, was diagnosed on December 9, 2025 with osteosarcoma on the wrist of his right front leg.
On Dec 17, 2025, his leg was amputated at the Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
He started chemotherapy on December 22, 2025. Xander is a very active dog but he is a little heavy. We began using a Help ‘em Up harness with Xander immediately after he was released from the hospital.
Tripawd Xander Starts Physical Rehabilitation Evaluation
Xander’s first physical rehabilitation session occurred on January 5, 2026, nineteen days after surgery and about two weeks after beginning chemotherapy, with Certified Rehabilitation Practitioner Florence (“Florrie”) Bliss at the Virginia Tech teaching hospital rehabilitation center.
Florrie explained that our first appointment was mainly an evaluation so that she could determine Xander’s current ability, discuss our rehabilitation hopes, and determine what rehabilitation would be feasible.
She measured Xander’s joint flexion, walked him around to evaluate his gait, and tested him on sit-to-stand to evaluate his balance.
Let the Program Begin! Xander Begins Rehabilitation Exercises to Build Strength
Exercises:
Florrie recommended that we do the following exercises with Xander:
- bicycle front leg (10-20 reps, 1-2 times daily);
- bicycle hind leg (10-20 reps, 1-2 times daily);
- sit to stand (5 reps, 1-2 times daily).
The main benefit was to increase Xander’s, and our, confidence in what he is able to do as a tripawd, which led to increasing activity and stamina.
Lucky Dog Gets Massage and Mobility Support, Too!
Massage:
Florrie recommended that we apply a hot pack 1-2 times daily prior to doing message and shoulder PROM (passive range of motion); general neck massage, shoulder massage, and triceps massage once daily).
Comfort Through Mental Stimulation Activities is Important, Too!
Mental stimulation:
We were concerned that Xander was licking himself after the operation, in part, because of anxiety and boredom behavior.
Florrie confirmed that is very likely since he was not as mobile after the operation.
And Don’t Forget Enrichment Activities to Reduce Anxiety
She recommended freezing food in licky mats, kongs, and mixing baby food with water, freezing the jars, and allowing Xander to lick the jars.
Xander really enjoyed the baby food jars and the activity did relieve his boredom.
She also recommended a “Snuffle mat” (scattering food around and have them use their natural rooting instincts to dig around to find all the pieces)—they are available commercially or you can make your own with an old bath rug or make your own.
Additional Support for Recovery and Strength
Other recommendations:
Florrie evaluated Xander’s nutrition and diet and gave us a clear 799-day calorie target for Xander’s food intake, based on his current weight and Body Condition Score (BCS).
She said that Xander could benefit from a soft carpal wrap (wrist) for his remaining front leg.
She recommended that we continue to give him the Dasuquin supplement.
And she recommended that we begin underwater treadmill therapy because the buoyant property of water provides support, reduces the load on the joints, and allows patients to walk further with more free range of motion.
— Gary and Xander
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)