Please follow instructions from your vet and on the post-operative information sheet to ensure that your pet is ready to undertake the physiotherapy exercises demonstrated in the videos. If you have any questions or queries please contact your practice for advice.
Elevated Sit-Stand
Place a small box or large book behind your pet’s back legs and ask them to sit onto the item. Then ask them to rise back into a stand. Repeat 3-4 times twice daily. If the operated leg flops out to the side, try doing the exercise with the operated leg alongside a wall.
Weight Shifting
Stand your dog on a firm surface. Stand behind them and pop your arm under their belly to stop them sitting down (without holding them up). Using a treat, slowly lure them to turn their head round to their ribs on the right side, hold this position for a few seconds and then slowly lure them round to the ribs on the left side. Repeat 3 times each side twice daily.
In the same position, bring the treat between their front legs to lure their head down and between the front legs. This encourages them to shift their weight onto their back legs. Repeat 4 times twice daily.
Gluteal and Quadriceps Stimulation
Stand your dog on a firm surface. Sitting behind the dog, with one hand brush UP the quadriceps muscle at the front of the OPERATED back leg, repeatedly and quickly, whilst simultaneously slowly lifting the NON-OPERATED foot off the ground and then replacing. Repeat 4 times. Twice a day.
Do the same as the above but brushing the gluteal muscle above the hip joint with your hand. Repeat 4 times. Twice a day.
Sit to stand against a wall
Place your dog with the operated leg alongside a wall. Ask for a sit onto the floor and then a stand. Ensure the operated leg is not falling out to the side. Repeat 4 times twice daily.
Weight shifting on a wobbly surface
Progress from weight shifting using a treat on a firm surface to performing the exercise with you pet standing on a piece of foam/other soft surface.
Lateral Weaving
Place six items in a line with a space your dog’s length in between them. Encourage your dog to SLOWLY weave in and out of the cones/items. Repeat 4 times twice daily
Low Pole Work
Place poles or items close to the ground for the dog to step over. Make sure there is a dogs length between each item. SLOWLY walk your dog over the items to encourage lifting and placing of each leg. Ensure they do not jump or hop their back legs over. Repeat 4 times twice daily.