Wednesday, August 31, 2011
5 Weeks Pass
After 5 weeks, it was clear that this was going to be a long road. Nathan still was not able to empty his own bladder. He was still having indoor pooping accidents. He couldn't walk or even wag his tail. We had read quite a lot about water therapy on Dodger's List and we called our vet to ask if he knew someone good in our area. He gave of the name of a vet who specializes in rehab, including water therapy. We immediately made an appointment. It would be this therapy that would turn the tide for us. Nathan did water therapy - first swimming pool, then treadmill, for seven weeks. His appointments were twice weekly. By the 3rd week, he was ready for the treadmill. By the 7th week, he was doing 20 minutes on the treadmill. It was nothing short of a miracle.
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How soon after surgery did Nathan begin the hydrotherapy? I am amazed at his mobility after so short a time! Did the surgeon or neurologist recommend any specific length of crate rest before you began therapy (apart from laser/acupuncture)?
ReplyDeleteWe began water therapy at about 6 weeks. That vet stated we could have started a bit earlier though. Neither the original surgeon nor the neurologist told us to do crate rest after the surgery, but in Nathan's case, he was in the ICU for the first 9 days anyway. And, he could barely move for another week after that. I think what helped the mobility was the in home therapy we did - 4 times a day for 10 mins - leg movement exercises with him lying on his side. The vets all stressed the importance of this homework.
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