Lindsay Janes Webboard User Reg: 10-24-2005
Posts: 749
Loc: Tucson, Az
Offline
I have a mini pinscher named Roo. He had a surgery on his knee because it popped out of the place known as patellar luxation. We had Roo's cast off last week before Thanksgiving and have been excerise it. We walked around the neighbor and sretched his leg 20 times twice a day. I had him in the tub filled with luke warm water to get him to use all his four legs.
It seems to be helpful, but he is avoiding his using his leg. He stands on three legs. Right now, I can't use swimming pool since we don't have a heater. I'm wondering if it is possible to use spa? Wouldn't it be too hot for the dog? I have never used it, but I don't know if it is a good idea. It is not so cold, but I would have use the pool. I think swimming is going to be a good workout for his legs because it makes him use all 4.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"
Natalya Zahn Webboard User Reg: 12-22-2006
Posts: 1824
Loc: Cambridge, MA
Offline
If you mean a whirlpool type thing, I'd think it would be a touch on the warm side... though maybe if you can adjust the temperatures, and of course, not turn on the jets, so the water is calm.
I knew a dog recovering from CCL surgery who also refused to use her "new" leg. Her family took her to physical therapy sessions and they were told to put a sock on the foot opposite the healing leg, with a marble or 2 in the toe - the sensation is unsettling enough that some dogs will shift their weight back onto the recovering leg. This only needs to be done in short sessions, but the more the dog realizes that it's operated leg is actually safe to walk on, the more they'll start to test it themselves. Min pins have pretty miniscule legs, so I'm not sure if this method would be scaleable to the degree that it would work, but maybe...
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
Offline
I'd need to know the temp on your spa. You're ok up to about 100 degrees for short periods of time. Depending on how bad the PL was and how skilled your surgeon was it can take up to a year for full movement in that leg.
Lindsay Janes Webboard User Reg: 10-24-2005
Posts: 749
Loc: Tucson, Az
Offline
Thanks, The temperature for the spa is around 85 to 90 degree and Roo's PL was graded as three. Hopefully, he gets his full movement less than one year! We have been walking everyday and I noticed some improvements. He uses his all four legs during the walk, but when we get inside. He only uses three legs.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.