Duke is a high energy 3 year old labrador retriever who had surgery at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic referral center in Toronto for an instability in his right hind tarsus (hock). After surgery in January 2012, he wore a splint for 6 weeks and then a supportive bandage for an additional 4 weeks. After removal of the bandage, there was significant muscle wasting on that leg and subsequent weakness. Although he was still using the leg, there was a mild to moderate lameness still present. At this point it was decided that Duke would benefit from physiotherapy to regain strength and muscle in that leg.
Duke’s physiotherapy consisted of massage therapy, side steps off and on curbs, sit/stand exercises, cold therapy laser treatments, and slow controlled leash walks on uneven ground. Within 3 weeks, he was able to stand on the right hind leg for 30 seconds when the left hind leg was lifted up, and his strength and coordination was improving.
He continues to improve and is expected to be returning to normal function in the future.
SEE DUKE’S PHYSIOTHERAPY WITH US, CLICK ON THE YOU TUBE LINK BELOW:
