Teddy, bright and alert, met me at the door this week. He’s looking and feeling much better now that his pain is under control. It is great to see him up on his feet again. The mood in the entire household has lifted, too.
Teddy’s medication regime has been changed from Previcox to Rimadyl as the preferred NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) with Tramadol for added pain relief. He’s also had a second acupuncture treatment which is clearly helping to improve his energy and pain levels.
Since last week’s osteopathic adjustment, the compression in Teddy’s back has been relieved and I have been able to use more massage and acupressure techniques on him because he is no longer in pain. I’m still using laser on Teddy, but the ability to manipulate his muscles and limbs is essential to help with the movement of blood and lymphatic fluids.
Yesterday, I gave Teddy a full body massage with emphasis on lengthening and stretching important muscles. I did a lot of work on the latissimus dorsi – one of the major muscles that supports the back. All of Teddy’s remaining legs have good range of motion, although some of the muscles in them need a little help to be warmed and stretched.
Teddy slept through most of his massage – another great sign that he is able to tolerate rehabilitation and that his body is able relax, which will support recovery.
The right hind leg, which has arthritis and is affected by hip dysplasia, is causing us some concern. Teddy is noticeable wobbling on this leg and so we’re focusing on giving this leg extra attention with lasering and acupressure points.
Jill says, “To hear Teddy’s cries and whimpers was distressing for all of us. I’m so happy that Teddy’s condition has improved. I feel like we have turned a corner.”
The floor layout in the main living area has been improved, too. Baby gates still restrict Teddy to a small area. Jill has installed rugs with a foam underlay in the areas where Teddy walks. These will help with shock absorption.
A couch with a very low seat is now Teddy’s preferred sleeping place – he can watch the garden from this position. A foam mattress crash pad is below the sofa to ensure Teddy doesn’t do any damage to his remaining foreleg when he decides gets down.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
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