Noodle
Name: Noodle
Breed: West Highland Terrier
Sex: Female, Spayed
Weight: 17.3 lbs
DOB: 4/26/06
Evaluation date/beginning of therapy: 8/30/10
History
Noodle came for an initial evaluation on 8/30/10 for therapy recommendations regarding her bilateral medial luxating patellas. She had begun showing signs of lameness in the right hind limb about 3 months prior to her visit. A consult with an orthopedic surgeon and further diagnostics were recommended. Noodle underwent her first surgery on 9/30/10. She came for post surgical boarding on 10/1/10. Her therapy consisted of Passive Range of Motion (PROM), cryotherapy, thermotherapy, stretching, and Laser IV and IIIB treatments. Once sutures were removed Noodle began therapy in the Underwater treadmill. Noodle continued to limp after lying down for long periods she was therefore re examined by Dr. Mehler in November. It was determined at that time that she had probably stretched the implanted suture material. She went for surgery again on 9/30/10 where new suture material was placed and a menisectomy was performed. Noodle came back for post surgical boarding again and resumed therapy. Once healing was determined to be sufficient Noodle was able to begin strength conditioning by increasing her time in the underwater treadmill as well as lowering the water gradually to increase the difficulty. Noodle also performed numerous therapeutic exercises both at home and in clinic to help increase her strength.
Condition/Diagnosis/Findings
Bilateral Medial luxation patellas- Grade 2/4. Right Modified Retinacular Imbrication Technique (MRIT), with lateral arthrotomy- performed 9/30/10 by Dr. Mehler. Partial tear of the left cranial cruciate ligament. Right medial menisectomy, explantation, and MRIT revision performed 2/2/11 by Dr. Mehler.
Therapy goals
To regain full use of her right pelvic limb with no limping or signs of pain. Progress evaluation: Noodle was able to graduate from therapy on 7/11/11. She had no soreness or limping noted, although she would still “skip” on occasion.
Progress to Date
Noodle stopped in for a visit on 3/23/12 and was looking great! Owner reports that she is very happy, moving well, and teaching a younger Westie the ropes.
Tanner
Name: Tanner
Breed: Labrador
Sex: Male, Neutered
Weight: 80 lbs
DOB: 6/4/09
Evaluation date/beginning of therapy: 8/13/10
History
Tanner was initially seen on 8/13/10 for a post surgical consult after his initial surgery. At that time he also had a partial tear in his left hind limb.
Condition/Diagnosis/Findings
Post surgical right TPLO 7/28/10; Post surgical left TPLO 6/8/11
Therapy goals
Tanner began in clinic therapy on 8/19/10 to help regain strength and range of motion in his right hind limb post surgically. He also received treatment to help maintain the left hind limb until he was strong enough to undergo surgery to that leg as well. His therapy included Laser IV and IIIB, underwater treadmill, therapeutic exercises and stretching. His owner did a great job at home with restrictions, walks, and exercises. Once strong enough on his right hind Tanner had surgery performed on the left hind limb. His therapy progressed from there and he was able to gain strength and muscle mass back in both hind limbs through gradual increase in exercises, walks, and increasing difficulty in the underwater treadmill. Laser treatments helped him to heal faster and more comfortably. Tanner was able to graduate on 9/7/11.
Progress Evaluation
On 9/7/11 Tanner was re evaluated and found to be doing very well post surgically. He still had some muscle loss in his left hind limb, but both limbs were found to be stable post surgically.
Progress to Date
Owner reports as of 3/22/12 that Tanner continues to do well. He has had no problems, no limping and likes to get out for his walks daily.
Bailey
Name: Bailey
Breed: Bichon Frise
Sex: Male, Neutered
Weight: 22 lbs
DOB: 9/11/04
Evaluation date/beginning of therapy: 6/25/10
History
Bailey was first seen for evaluation before beginning post-surgical therapy. He was originally seen at the emergency clinic on 6/20/10 for acute onset of non-ambulatory paraparesis. He had an MRI performed resulting in a diagnosis of severe compression of the spinal cord. Bailey underwent back surgery to correct this; he recovered well from surgery and was ready to begin in-clinic therapy.
Condition/Diagnosis/Findings
Post-surgical T12-L2 Hemilaminectomy
Course of Therapy
Bailey boarded with us post-surgically and received treatment 3 times a day. Therapy consisted of Laser IV treatments, passive range of motion, stretching, and proprioception exercises. At the end of his stay his owner also rented our portable PST unit to treat him at home. Bailey then continued with visits 2-3 times a week for in-clinic therapy that included Laser IIIB/ IV treatments, underwater treadmill, and therapeutic exercises. His owner did a fantastic job at home with exercises and gradually increasing walks.
Progress Evaluation
On 9/17/10 Bailey was re-examined and was found to be ambulating well with only occasional ataxia in his hind end, mainly while circling. He had good neuro and motor function. He had slight tenderness in his lower back muscles. Overall Bailey was doing very well at this point.
Progress to Date
Owner reports that Bailey continues to do great at home. People that know he had the surgery cannot believe he is the same dog. He continues to enjoy ball fetching and his daily walks and exercises.
Indy
Name: Indy
Breed: West Highland White Terrier
Sex: Female, Spayed
Weight: 16 lbs
DOB: 7/98
History
Indy presented to her primary care Veterinarian not using her left hind leg and unable to jump for the last few weeks. Radiographs were taken revealing combined patellar luxation and cruciate ligament injury. Indy was then referred to an orthopedic surgeon.
Presenting Problems
Post TPLO and patellar luxation repair
Condition/Diagnosis/Findings
Indy arrived at TheraVet the day after surgery for boarding and therapy. Her surgical leg had moderate swelling and bruising along the medial and cranial aspects of the knee. She was non-weight bearing on the left hind, most likely due to pain and weakness, and had decreased range of motion in both knees.
Therapy Goals
Pain management, resolve swelling and bruising, and increase range of motion of the left stifle.
Course of Therapy
For the first 2 weeks Indy’s therapy was performed 3 times daily. It consisted of LASER treatments, E-Stim, range of motion, and cryotherapy. At first, Indy was your typical stubborn terrier, but after a few days she would crawl into your lap as to say “OK, I’m ready for therapy.”
Progress Evaluation
At 6-8 weeks post-surgery Indy had improved her balance, increased her muscle mass, and decreased her pain level. The Underwater Treadmill, Hako Med Whirlpool, therapeutic exercises, and cones and caveletti work all helped to achieve these results. She steadily increased her balance, mobility, and improved her knee range of motion; even her non-surgical leg improved in muscle mass and range of motion. She would need to continue her work with the stairs, and hill walking to aid in further muscle strengthening.
Progress to Date
Indy has since “graduated” from therapy. She has made a full recovery and is back to chasing squirrels in the back yard!
Boomer
Name: Boomer
Breed: Puggle
Sex: Male, Neutered
Weight: 15 lbs
DOB/Age: 4 months
History
Boomer was surrendered to Lollypop because he needed surgery and his owners could not afford it. Radiographs were taken that revealed severe necrosis of the right femoral head. FHO surgery was performed the next day to repair Boomer’s hip.
Presenting Problems
Boomer was non-weight-bearing on his surgical leg, and had severe muscle loss of the right hind limb.
Therapy Goals
Increase muscle mass, strength, and general mobility of the right hind limb.
Course of Therapy
Due to Boomer’s age, he was brought home by a staff member to establish a normal routine. Boomer received therapy daily for about 2 months. A variety of modalities were used including: Underwater Treadmill, Laser therapy, weight bearing exercises, and Land Treadmill.
Progress Evaluation
Boomer gained muscle mass, and began using his right leg during normal activities. He reached a point where he was ready to be adopted and go to his forever home.
Progress to Date
Boomer is now 1 year old, and was adopted by a young couple. He loves life, and is as lively as ever!. He is an active and healthy dog, acting as if the surgery never happened.
