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7 weeks post FHO... He is still having pain in that hip. I do the exercises with him, but he cries and tries to bite, he still has pain. The vet said the next step is to sling his good leg and force him to use the bad one....at this point I think that may be the best thing. Trying to to range of motion exercises is not working out so well. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open to them. :) |
Would your vet be okay with water rehab? |
Some people have used massage therapists or accupuncture for dogs in recovery. Is he taking any pain meds? |
He has Rimadyl for pain. He's suggested water therapy, but we don't have a pool, and I don't know of anyplace to take him? |
Have you checked around to see if an equestrian center around you may provide water therapy for your furbaby? I know when my furbaby needed water therapy, we went to a local equestrian center. |
No but there are lots of equestrian vets around here...that's something I should check into. He suggested a "kiddy pool', but an average bathtub isn't deep enough. |
Is this an orthopedic vet? He does not know a physical therapist? Are you sure there is nothing else going on? I really have not heard of one having pain this long into recovery. I honestly did not do PT with the one I had and it just took time for him to start using it again. They did not have me do ROM exercises on him at all! If he is not an orthopedic vet and you are concerned, maybe you need another opinion? |
we're going to get a BY pool this weekend and let him "swim". I still have onther week and a half before I take him back. |
Don't forget to get a Life Jacket for him. It will help him to stay calm and afloat when he gets tired. |
Water rehab like another member suggested sounds good, It will get him using his bad leg but take alot of the pressure off. |
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Pixie had LP surgery 3 weeks ago and her orthopedist said with the small dogs she doesn't use PT as they get enough exercise on their own. Pixie is using her leg but was limping on it a little yesterday so I think they still get sore some days. Hope he feels better soon. |
I'm still trying to do the ROM exercises with him and it's worse than ever. If you could see a photo of him from the rear, you'd see the muscle atrophy that's happened. He get's along like a tri-pod. I've checked into a few water therapy places but they don't do small dogs. What I'd like to know from you seasoned veterans, what should I do? Keep going to the same vet that wants to see him back every month? Change vets? I'm not even sure how to find a good one. I don't have the time or money for "physical therapy" and what they've told me to do isn't working. He get's around fine, but on 3 legs. My husband and I are looking into buying him a BY pool that he'll have to swim in. If he can touch bottom, he will. He won't swim. The muscle in that surgical hip is dying. I'm afraid his leg will end up amputated, or so much weight will end up on his good hip that it's worn out as well. |
I would go to an orthopedic vet for a consult! Go to www.acvs.org and do a search for one in your area. Just tell your vet that you want to get a second opinion. He should not have a problem with that. A specialist usually charges $100 - $150 for a consult. Honestly, that muscle atrophy is very common! He will get muscle back when he starts to use that leg. Since it has been a couple of months, just to be sure everything is ok, do get that second opinion. Also, if you cannot afford physical therapy, then ask if you could have a home based program. A good physical therapist will write one up for you and that will probably not cost any more than $150 (I think). I would never amputate a good limb...EVER. What people fail to understand is that if you do that and the dog ends up with a problem with another limb that really cannot be repaired....he is basically up a creek without a paddle. |
Please listen to LadyJane...........she has a LOT of experience with pups with orthopedic surgical issues. Get a second opinion. If water therapy is what you would also like to try how much of a pool could you possibly need? Go to Walmart and pick up a pool for $60. Walmart.com: 8' x 30" Inflatable Ring Pool: Outdoor Play |
I would honestly not spend any money on a pool if money is short. I would use whatever money I had for a second opinion. I am not totally sure of the value of water therapy for a hind leg. I have seen the therapists use water for resistance on a treadmill. But, bottom line, in my opinion you really need a good, board certified orthopedic vet to help you with a plan. |
im sorry your dog isnt doing well |
my fife had both his G4 lp done , then a few months later was diagnosed with legg perthes, his rehab for was much quicker for his knees than his hip. he was about 9 month old when he had his surgery so he wasnt that big, I looked for a place he could go for water therpy but they either didnt take dogs or he was way 2 small, it was Feb and in Nj it was way to cold for any outside pool to be open. I filled my bathtub with water for him no jets on and he did laps 20 one way and 20 the other, he started to like it after about 1 week, Could you try a tub or a tub at a friends if your tub isnt big enough? i know it really helped fife. |
I'm taking him back this week for another follow up and will ask for a referral for the second opinion. It does help to know that the atrophy isn't uncommon. I have a credit card that I can use if necessary. I, like many others, am trying to keep a business running in this economy, and I have two kids going into braces in three weeks. I'll make sure he gets the care he needs. Thanks for your help. :) |
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Good luck! Even if all you get from the second opinion is reassurance, I think it will be worth it to you! Please keep us posted on his progress! :) |
how is cooper doing? |
I'm sorry, I just saw this. :) He's doing well. I didn't get a chance to take him in, my schedule and the vet's didn't mesh for last week. My husband had a lot of installs to do last week and when he's out I have to stay at the office. I'm out of town this week with the dog, so next week he will definately have his re-check. He only has pain when you try to manipulate that leg. Otherwise, he's happy as a clam to run round on 3 legs half the time. He DOES use his leg, just not all the time like I'd hoped. Thank you for asking. :) |
They often DO limp for some time after the surgery. If he is using it at times, I am sure he will start using it more in time! |
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