Tripawd Hendrix benefits from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant. The consultation, and rehab exercises help Hendrix 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.
Tripawd Hendrix Finds Rehab Support in Rural Washington
I live in a very rural part of Western Washington where there are no local rehabilitation therapists. While taking Hendrix to start swimming therapy, the owner let me know that there is a rehab specialist who visits the Olympic peninsula once per month. She sent me the information to set up our initial consultation.
Hendrix the Tripawd Lab Begins His Recovery Journey
My tripawd, Hendrix, is a 4 year old chocolate lab. He is currently one month post-op and his recovery has been amazing to witness. His personality and energy really came back around the 3 week mark and he was excited to go out on short walks.
Our Journey to Surgery
Hendrix was born with elbow dysplasia. As a puppy, I was given conflicting information from different vets about treatment. I followed my instinct to let him grow and treat him with supplements and watching for signs of discomfort. He never showed much discomfort, always loving hikes and swims.
New Health Challenges with Elbow Swelling and arthritis
Hendrix also has allergies so he was started on apoquel. A month after starting apoquel, his elbow showed signs of swelling.
The swelling progressed to inability to walk, fever, and signs of infection, and he ended up going to the emergency vet where they diagnosed septic arthritis.
Making the Decision to Amputate
They attempted to drain the elbow and flush out the infection. He was on several antibiotics and pain medications. The infection did not show signs of going away so the decision was made to amputate. He has adapted very well.
First Rehab Exercises for Our New Three-Legged Dog
Dr. Savigny gave us 3 exercises to start with:
- Cookie neck stretch – To help stretch out tight bicep muscles from overcompensating.
- Doggie squats (sit to stand) – To help Hendrix sit properly, preventing his “lazy sit” from causing hip misalignment and potential problems later.
- Paws up – To help strengthen his remaining front leg.
Hendrix is doing great with the paws up and cookie neck stretch but is not a fan of doggie squats. We are able to do about 2 at a time before he lays down and looks at me like “mom, I am done”.
We are doing the exercises once in the morning for about 3–4 reps each exercise. I am constantly observing his energy and cutting back if needed but he is loving the treats.
Planning for Core and Balance Work
Once he is able to do these 3 exercises fluently, we will move to some core conditioning exercises to help strengthen his core. These are called rebound side and rebound back.
When he is ready, we will work on balancing exercises with a squishy surface such as a wobbly seat.
Getting Advice for Helping Tripawd Hendrix Adapt to Being an Amputee
Dr. Savigny also gave me lots of information on how to best help modify the environment for Hendrix as he adapts to being a tripawd. She referred me to this website.
We discussed:
- Weight management
- Use of a wrist brace for long walks
- Signs to watch out for discomfort/overuse
- How to choose the right harness and swim jacket
- Elevating his food and water bowl
- Using rugs or non slip toe rings for him to avoid injury
This consultation provided me with a wealth of information that I did not have and I am very thankful to Dr. Michelle Savigny for the help.
— Kayla and Hendrix
How to Find Rehab Therapy for Your Tripawd Dog or Cat
Check Out the at Home Tripawd Rehab Program
(created by veterinary rehab therapist Dr. John Waterhouse)