Tripawd Elton benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to generous donors of the Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant.
The consultation, and rehab exercises help Elton 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.
Tripawd Elton Works Toward a Stronger Future
Elton my 11 year old front leg tripawd terrier mix met with the wonderful Dr. Sonnet Jarvis of AZ Canine Rehab in Glendale Arizona for his evaluation and follow up sessions.
We adopted Elton 9 years ago from a rescue org that specializes in animals with medical needs.
Elton Has Overcome Incredible Challenges
Unfortunately his previous owner didn’t neuter him and allowed him to roam.
He was hit by a car and then tried to chew off his own leg (he had paralysis).
They surrendered him to the county shelter and he was due to be euthanized before this rescue gave him a second change.
Elton Receives a Personalized Rehabilitation Plan
I have tried to be proactive with Elton as he ages – maintaining weight, chiropractic adjustments, supplements.
But I wanted to do more and after a search for Dr. Sonnet Jarvis who is AMAZING.
She is a trained veterinarian as well as a PT so has extensive experience.
The Focus is on Building Strength
She took her time to evaluate Elton’s current body condition and strength and started us to exercises to help strengthen all of his limbs- especially the rear leg opposite one as she explained he doesn’t use it as much.
She taught us how to do the following exercise – head to hip – where Elton is standing and I get him to move his neck/head to his hip.
Elton Learns to Balance Better
She also has us using balance boards.
I coax Elton to stand on both boards – his 2 hind legs on the rear one, while balance his one front paw on the forward one.
We Have New Ways to Stay Active
We also use a ramp and do this same exercise in all directions as well as “sit to stand” where he practices sitting and rises from that position, to laying down to rising from that position.
The Importance of Stability and Flexibility
Last he does a turtle exercise where he lies down and then I coax him to stretch his neck forward.
We also do gentle stretches on all 3 of his legs.
I am to do these exercises 3 times each (using both sides and going in different directions) every other day giving him time to rest in between.
Today she also showed us a way to do the exercise on an air mattress to build even more balance and strength.
Expert Guidance Makes the Difference for Tripawd Dogs
I learned many things from Dr. Jarvis but mostly she helped me understand is how front tripawds compensate by using their other legs and how we have to work on balance and strengthening the side opposite his missing leg.
She also reminded me of ways to reduce impact on his front leg and make our home safer for him.
We Look Forward to Elton’s Healthy Aging
I feel confident that these exercises are improving Elton’s balance and strength which will help him as he continues to age and deals with arthritis and joint issues.
— Sandy and Elton
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)