Clean Run Magazine - September 2007 - 77

Day 30-60 Post-op TPLO Rehabilitation Home Program 2-3 sessions per day Apply cold compresses to stifle (knee) 10-15 minutes following rehabilitation exercise session Continue to restrict exercise; no running or jumping. Continue indoor confinement. PROM Take each rear limb through passive range of motion. Visualize and perform a running pattern with the dog’s hind limb, holding for 5-10 seconds in the flexion and extension position of the limb, always staying within your dog’s comfort level. Never move into positions that cause pain. Watch the dog’s expressions during movement and perform 10-15 movements per limb. Leash Walks Continue to increase the time of leash walks by 5-minute intervals every 3 days. You can work up to 20-30 minute walks 2-3 times a day. These need to be on leash and controlled. Walking Uphill This should be done on a leash in a slow controlled walk to allow for extension of the spine and engagement of the rear. Start off with very mild inclines for 3-5 minutes per session and increase incline and length of time every 2-3 days according to your dog’s tolerance. You never want your dog to be in discomfort or become too tired to complete the exercise. Torso Strengthening Gently place hands on either side of the hips and rock your dog from side to side, while in a standing position, thus engaging the core torso muscles and promoting hind limb weight bearing. Once your dog tenses, stop, rest, and then perform the exercise again. Repeat 5-10 times. Cookies at Contra-lateral Hip Have your dog take a treat from near the hip on the good side. This creates bending away from the good side and shifts weight onto the problematic side. Hold this stretch for 5-30 seconds, then return to normal stance. Repeat 5-10 times. This exercise can be performed to the other side for a good paralumbar muscle stretch. Sitting Exercise Ask your dog to sit and encourage him to tuck the surgical leg under the body by tapping on the foot. Rewarding your dog with praise or a treat when he accomplishes this task will encourage him to sit squarely each time. Repeat 6-10 times per session. Three-leg Standing While the dog is in a standing position, lift the good hind limb off the ground and extend it backward. Support this leg from the knee as opposed to the shin or foot in order to discourage your dog from weight bearing through your hand and support. Hold this position for 1560 seconds depending on the stability of your dog, then replace leg to floor. Repeat 5-10 times. Para Standing Kneeling or standing bent over the uninjured side of your dog, lift both the front and rear limb on this side (you are holding up the good legs). Hold this position while it is comfortable for your dog, about 5-30 seconds. If weakness starts to occur in weight-bearing legs immediately replace limbs and support dog. Repeat 5-10 times Paws on Counter Have your dog place his front paws on a chair or counter (increased angle from last month) and offer a cookie from above his head height causing weight bearing in the rear and stretching of the back muscles and hip flexors. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times. Wheelbarrowing Lift your dog’s torso off the ground while holding his front legs on your forearm above the wrist. Pull and push your dog gently back and forth and encourage your dog to take a few steps forward and backward. Make sure he is standing at an angle and not straight up. After a few steps replace the front legs to the ground and rest. Repeat exercise 5-10 times. Depending on the size of your dog you may have to bend over to do this. Make sure you are physically capable of doing this exercise and do not strain your own back. Only do this exercise if your dog is stable using both back limbs. September 07 | Clean Run 77

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Clean Run Magazine - September 2007

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