My three-year-old black Labrador, Pepper has had an accident and severed her tendon on her right front leg. The tendon had to be retrieved from further up the leg and was reattached. Her paw is slightly floppy. I am looking for advice on what physio and exercise she should be having. She has the physique of a working Lab, very slim and active.
Anita Doyle, by email
Hydrotherapy – supervised swimming exercise - instantly springs to my mind as being ideal because it is non-weight-bearing and will help build up the muscles. Referral is often required via your vet to ensure that there are no reasons why Pepper might not be a good candidate for hydrotherapy.
As a side issue, do make sure Pepper does not gain bodyweight during her enforced restricted exercise. She may be slim at the moment, which will all help with the healing process, but a Labrador often only has to look at food to gain weight, especially if she has been neutered! Pepper needs a good plane of nutrition for tissue healing, but her joints do not need to be overloaded with excess weight.
I do hope Pepper makes a good recovery, especially as she is so used to being active.
Alison Logan, vet
Hi Anita,
ReplyDeleteAlthough by no means an expert I would say a non weight bearing exercise would be best.
See if there is a hydrotherapy pool in your area where Pepper can do gentle swimming exercises. She will be fitted with a doggy lifejacket & should be able to build up to swimming against a current of water as she build up strength in the affected leg.
Bowen therapy would be ideal for Pepper as it has a very good track record for helping to realign and rebalance the body. It is also very gentle and non invasive, and Pepper will be encouraged to rest after.
ReplyDeleteWith mobility problems especially after the type of problem that Pepper has experienced Bowen can help promote circulation and therefore healing. As far as exercise and Bowen is concerned you will be advised to exercise her gently and with care after any sessions, as Bowen can have an affect for up to 10 days after. The brain is incredibly able to help with these kind of situations and Bowen can really help to speed up the healing process. A canine Bowen therapist will be happy to help with any questions or doubts that you may have with this therapy and you can look on the register to find someone close to you. www.caninebowentechnique.com