Tripawd Mia benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Mia stay strong and love life on three legs. Read their 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 Mia is a 9-year-old greyhound who is a retired racer.
On 1/20/25 I took my 9-year-old greyhound (Mia) to the Rehab center at MedVet in Cincinnati Ohio. Mia underwent a front leg amputation 12/27/24 due to osteosarcoma. I adopted Mia in 2018 through the Greyhound Rescue Group GPA of Greater Cincinnati– she was a retired racer.
Tripawd Mia Receives Expert Care from Certified Therapist
Shawn Zimmerman was the RVT, CCRP therapist I worked with at MedVet. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience in working with a certified therapist and rehab center. Mia received compassionate, thorough, and professional care during the visit. I know after rehab Mia will become more confident in her abilities as a tripawd. Going to a certified rehab site ensures practitioners that are credentialed and specially trained in dealing with the integration of rehab services for your pets.
Tripawd Mia Given Personalized Treatment and Education
Shawn explained exercises in easy-to-understand directions and utilized the teach-back method to ensure I was comfortable in doing them at home with Mia. She is educated and provided information and links for supplements for wellness, as well as joint support braces and harness to protect against joint deterioration and to keep Mia safe when walking and doing stairs. The visit and treatment plans were personally geared to Mia’s specific needs as a new Tripawd.
Shawn also told me about the Tripawds website and the support provided.
Tripawd Mia Begins Strength and Balance Program
Mia was given a 4-exercise program to strengthen her core, improve her balance/alignment and ensure safe/healthy ambulation for longevity. The daily exercises Reps of 2-10, 1-3xs/day. Mia was started on:
- 2 Leg Standing
- Front Limb on High Box
- Cookie-to-Shoulder-Stand
- Circle Massage (10 mins 1-3x’s/day)
Tripawd Mia’s Exercise Descriptions
- The two-leg stand: With Pet standing forward, lift one rear limb at a time a few inches off the ground and hold for few seconds. Then go back to neutral. Repeat.
- Front Limb on Box: With a treat/toy have pet place front limb on box/step and stand for few seconds then go back to neutral. Repeat.
- Cookie to shoulder: Pet standing, use treat/toy to lure the head to shoulder and then other. Reward. Repeat.
- Circle massage: with gentle “kneading like” motion massage muscles of upper/lower back, limbs, shoulders, neck and top of head.
The Importance of Certified Rehabilitation
The one thing learned by going to the certified center is that the therapists are well educated/trained in developing comprehensive treatment plans. They deliver qualified compassionate care and are great resources for overall rehabilitative and wellness needs of your loved pet.
I learned the importance of strength building in tripawds since dogs weight support is 60 percent in their front legs and with the amputation of a front limb how important it is to ensure your pets joint, limb/core strength and nutrition all play a part in a successful recovery and quality of life.