Tripawd Maggie benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Maggie 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.
Meet Tripawd Maggie, Our Three-Legged Wonder
Greetings fellow tripawd caregivers. My name is Michael and our 3 legged wonder is Maggie. She is an 11 (some documents say 10 but we’re pretty sure that’s wrong) year old Australian Heeler mix.
After noticing a change in her gait and a spot on her knee we took her in for an x-ray. Radiology revealed that she had a bone tumor located on the knee, mostly around her TPLO bolts. Subsequent conversations all ended up at the same crossroads… amputation.
Surgery, Survival, and the Start of Rehab
We’ll fast forward through the gruesome surgery and the 2-3 weeks of trying to normalize everything associated with a tri. There is a lot of things to consider.
In our case, we were fortunate that Dr. Gabriella Varcoe, previously staffed at our surgery center, went to focus on rehab outside of VSH and ended up at Aqua Animal Care Center. She came with many accolades and everyone we spoke to had nothing but stellar things to say about her.
And this holds true for us as well. I could tell during the consultation she was a kind soul and understood the things Maggie needed to continue thriving while being slightly less grounded.
A Spa-Like Setting with Real Results
The center practices a ‘no fear’ based system so everything is very calm and honestly sort of spa like while not being a literal spa. If you’re near Oceanside, CA I would highly recommend checking them out: Aqua Animal Care Center of Oceanside.
Learning the Importance of Massage
While we haven’t been given exercises to perform at home yet, I have been instructed on the importance of massage now that Maggie has legs working overtime.
While I have been performing massage on her for many years, I was interested to learn about the scapular glide. In her case, it is helpful and I can tell she enjoys it for the most part but I have found that she is more receptive once we’re a few minutes into the session. This way she’s more calm before I work on it.
Tripawd Maggie Tackles Foam Block Transitions
We have also worked on foam block transitions, which seem great but are a little tricky for a tripod. Especially if said pod lacks a bit of spatial awareness and it simply following the treats. But we have seen improvement as we practice.
Tripawd Parents Know Best
One thing to consider when going into this is that you’re the advocate. You live with your dog and you know how they respond to things.
- Be willing to go a little further
- But also be willing to say something if you don’t feel that it’s time
Maggie Versus the Treadmill Water Tank
Case in point; Maggie was clearly very nervous while in the treadmill water tank. The first visit, we were barely able to get her to enter the vessel. A lot of cajoling went into the time she spent in it. And that was without any water so I opted to not put her through it on the second visit based on my observations.
On the third visit I gave it another shot and we had some improvement and she was popping in and out much more easily. Still no water but baby steps I guess.
Recovery Takes Time for Tripawd Maggie
And I know a lot of folks out there a juggling a lot of stuff. Life is crazy but from what I’ve learned, observation is key when it comes to helping your ‘pod on the road to recovery.
- Keep track of how they are moving around
- Keep up with the massage since those other legs and joints are taking up the slack!
And if anyone has questions; I am available via chat here in the Tripawds Circle so do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Michael and Maggie
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)