Tripawd Juniper benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Juniper 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.
Juniper is a 5 year old Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees mix.
She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February. We made the decision to amputated her leg on March 3rd. She’s a big girl and weighed 143 pre amputation and the tumor was in her forelimb.
We All Learn the Power of Patience and Rehab
Since the forelimbs support more of their weight than the hind limbs, it is really crucial to keep her remaining forelimb shoulder limber as well as build up strength.
We had her first appointment with her rehab doctor, Healing Arts Animal Care’s Dr. Mandi Blackwelder. They did a healing laser on her back knee as it’s causing her trouble and on her back where the muscles are tight from her new found hop.
She Builds Strength One Stretch at a Time
For exercises at home, we have stretching, massage, and mobility exercises. We are doing these during the day at random times and then a full routine in the evening after dinner.
The massage is her favorite part and she breathes through the stretches.
- As far as the exercises when we make her stand then sit then stand back up quickly and follow treats/toys with her head, we get in as many as we can as she is a stubborn girl
- Our goal is to get 2-4 rounds of each and do this twice a day
- These exercises are all intended to strengthen her balance and build her muscles in a way that protect her from injury
Tripawd Juniper Tackles Rehab with Determination
At the clinic we did walk her into the water treadmill room and have her explore the treadmill space without water. We plan to do this again next week and hopefully shut the gate. The week after we will try to add a little water.
In addition to the treadmill, we will do massage and laser treatment at our weekly visits.
A New Three-Legged Journey of Healing and Hope
From this experience, I learned to have patience with my expectations and that consistency is the most important thing we can provide Juniper. We are looking forward to her continued progress.
— Chaley and Juniper
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)