Tripawd Labrador Retriever Gunner benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant #203. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Gunner 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.
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Gunner is a beautiful, athletic nine year old labrador retriever. He has been in my family since he was a little pup, he originally belonged to my brother – who passed in October 2023 from suicide. My partner and I are so lucky to be able to take Gunner in after my brother’s passing. Gunner was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in February after we started noticing that a lump on his forelimb was growing quite fast. After much consultation and decision making, the fam and vet decided his front leg had to go. His surgery was in July.
Rehab Helps New Tripawd Labrador Gunner Recover from Amputation
All went extremely well, and though his recovery was hard initially for us, his incision site and adaptation to his new life has been quite remarkable. We decided to go to PT, because of the financial support given through this foundation. We found out about Tripawds by our referring veterinarian. The rehab team is located in Vancouver, Washington at the Mountain View Veterinary Hospital. During his initial consult Gunner spent time with Dr. Kristi Wubben in the PT room doing exercises and water tank therapy.
Gunner had a blast in the PT room, and we refer to it as his Spa Day. The decided goal from his initial consultation is to build muscle to support a more balanced compensation with his missing leg. We were given a home exercise (called cookie-to-shoulder), shown how to massage his left thoracic limb, upper back, lower back, and hips (which he LOVES!), and approved to continue 1-2 shorter walks per day.
For the cookie-to-shoulder exercise, you use a treat or toy to lure the head to the shoulder. Reward. Repeat. This exercise increases his balance and stretches his muscles on the opposite side. I’ve learned from this experience that Dr. Wubben’s team is wonderful, if you live in the area I definitely recommend their services. There is so much support and love out there for living the Tripawd life with your pup. We feel very supported and well on our way to a full recovery!
~ Colleen and Gunner