Tripawd Cara benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Cara 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 Cara Begins Rehab After Amputation
Today, we visited Dr. Gretchen Szabat, a certified rehabilitation therapist at Melbourne Veterinary Rehabilitation, for Cara’s initial physiotherapy rehabilitation consultation following her recent hind leg amputation.
First Assessment of Tripawd Cara
The session began with a detailed assessment of Cara’s overall post-surgery recovery status, including a thorough joint range of motion examination for her remaining three legs.
Acupuncture Will Be Explored for Tripawd Cara
Due to Cara’s underlying bone cancer and presence of lung metastases, Dr. Gretchen explained that laser and ultrasound therapies were not appropriate, as these treatments could potentially stimulate cancer spread.
Instead, she recommended that future sessions could incorporate acupuncture to help relieve muscle tension and protect Cara’s overused limbs.
Identifying Tension in Tripawd Cara
During the assessment, Dr. Gretchen identified significant tightness and soreness in Cara’s left hind leg quadriceps, as well as a trigger point near the rear part of her spine.
To address this, she did a gentle stretch to promote healthy circulation and soft tissue massages focusing on the tense areas.
Home Exercises to Support Tripawd Cara
Additionally, Dr. Gretchen guided us through a set of home exercises specifically designed to help Cara rebuild strength safely.
- We have attached photos of Cara performing these prescribed exercises
- Screenshots of home care exercise (hope to help other tripawds parents to perform at home) are included as part of our documentation
A Calm Session for Tripawd Cara
No intense execise or trainings were performed.
Cara remained relatively calm throughout the session, only vocalizing once, which we considered a big win considering her anxiety after surgery and of course her typical greyhound personality.
Preventing Muscle Loss Through Movement
We also discussed mobility strategies moving forward.
Dr. Gretchen emphasized the importance of encouraging Cara to walk independently to prevent muscle atrophy and over-reliance on assistance devices.
She advised that the support harness should only be used if Cara is having difficulty standing after squatting to pee or poo, or when she shows signs of fatigue and struggles to walk further.
Early Rehab Helps Tripawd Cara Thrive
Our experience reminded us that our pets are often more resilient than we think.
Although the first seven days after surgery were disastrous, chaotic, and heartbreaking—and like many parents, we thought it might be too soon to start physiotherapy—Dr. Gretchen reassured us that, with your vet’s agreement, starting physiotherapy as early as possible can greatly help tripawds adapt better and spot small issues before they become bigger problems.
We also learned that rehabilitation appointments for pets are very hard to book, so securing sessions in advance is highly recommended.
What Comes Next for Tripawd Cara
Our next scheduled visit in two weeks will focus on evaluating Cara’s surgical wound healing post-stitch removal.
Dr. Gretchen also plans to introduce acupuncture treatment and teach us additional home massage techniques to further support Cara’s rehabilitation.
A Hopeful Path Forward
Overall, the initial visit was incredibly informative and reassuring.
We are grateful to have a clear, compassionate recovery plan in place to help Cara regain her strength, balance, and quality of life.
— Jinghua and Cara
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)