Case Studies

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Bella’s initial clinical examination took place in September 2018. She was one year old. Bella is a Labrador with bilateral hip dysplasia. 6 months prior to our meeting (March 2018) Bella had undergone a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) on her left side. She had been on a home exercise program after the surgery, but her weight was a consistent problem (37 kgs). The referring veterinarian preferred not to perform an FHO on the contralateral side until Bella had lost 5 kgs. The discussion with the client revolved around using hydrotherapy to assist with weight loss.

At this point, the left hind limb was not fully rehabilitated. There was a 3 cm difference in circumference at the proximal thigh and a 5 cm difference mid-thigh. Both limbs showed a decreased hip extension of 135 degrees on the left hip and 134 degrees on the right. Normal hip extension is between 160 and 165 degrees. Hydrotherapy session finally began in January 2019 after much discussion. At this point Bella’s hind limb circumferences had equalised but measure less than in September 2018.

Bella started in the underwater treadmill. Weekly sessions were advised and she was placed on a commercial weight loss diet. By June 2019 she was performing activities she has not tried in months (like climbing on the bed). Bella was more active, interactive and happier. She lost 3 kgs but also strengthened her hind quarter musculature. NSAIDs were only being administered after hydrotherapy sessions. By June 2019 Bella’s thigh circumferences had increased by 2 cms all round, coupled with weight loss. Her hip extension has increased to 158 degrees on the left-hand side (operated side) and 155 degrees on the right.

After lengthy discussions with all parties it was decided to continue the hydrotherapy and forego the proposed FHO on the right hip. Bella visited our facility every 2 weeks for a hydrotherapy session (except during lockdown). She had ups and downs, and weight fluctuations but she was happy and well-managed until August 2022. Her weight remained at 36 kgs. She was tested for an underactive thyroid. All results were normal. She became less active and started to lick her right hind paw. Bella’s ability to walk in the underwater treadmill decreased. She was doing less and less despite daily NSAIDs and frequent LASER therapy to her hip. Radiographs revealed increased osteoarthritis in the right hip joint. In December 2022 Bella underwent an FHO to her right hip. Our facility performed routine post-op management. Bella was back in the UWT 3 weeks post-FHO and she has not looked back.

We continue to see her twice a month. Her weight is stable at 32.5 kgs. She is happy and healthy. Bella’s human is thrilled with the outcome and delighted to have Bella with her, for longer, and pain free.

Click HERE to watch a brief video of Bella's progress. 

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Maggie is a five-year-old Golden Retriever. She presented at our rehabilitation facility on 9^th June 2022. Her symptoms had been present for four weeks. The client simply wanted her companion to be able to walk again, without requiring surgery. Based on the clinical presentation polyradiculoneuritis was suspected. There were no funds available for any diagnostics, so our treatment program began.

Initially, Maggie lay in lateral recumbency and could wag her tail. On presentation for rehab, she could lift her head, roll over and wag her tail. Deep pain perception was present, but she was unable to pull away. We treated Maggie on that day using electroacupuncture. A further three sessions were suggested which included electroacupuncture, manual therapies and hydrotherapy. Maggie’s guardian was very capable and involved in her recovery. We advised on how to stimulate movements at home, beginning with moving Maggie into sternal recumbency. She was propped up in that position for short periods throughout the day.

Maggie returned eight days later, and she had responded very well. Her legs were moving, she was rolling onto her back and kicking. She was trying to sit up. Maggie was fitted with a float coat, assisted into the underwater treadmill, and encouraged to move in the water. Care was taken to support her head as she struggled to hold it up.

Maggie improved in leaps and bounds! The next step was to teach her to stand. Maggie lives on a smallholding, so we used hay bales to support her. By the end of June (28^th) Maggie started to crawl. At the rehabilitation centre we added rhythmic stabilisations and gait training to her therapy sessions. The electroacupuncture was repeated. In the water, her legs started to move, and Maggie was keen to participate. This was the day we got over the “hump” and never looked back!

There were more home interventions (under our guidance) than therapy sessions because of financial constraints. There was home hydrotherapy in the farm dam, and lots of support from her siblings! Maggie was mobile in less than three months from the onset of her neurological signs.

To watch a video of Maggie’s amazing rehabilitation progress please click HERE. 

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Abby is a five year old female neutered German Shorthaired Pointer. She was referred to me by a locum veterinarian who was concerned about tendon contracture in the right hind paw. The practice principal had diagnosed a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon in May 2020. Rest and NSAIDs were advised. 13 months later Abby was referred to me. I immediately recommended a consultation with a specialist surgeon. Amazingly, the surgeon was able to reconnect the tendon despite the time that had elapsed. Apart from the contracture of the digital flexor tendons, there was severe muscle atrophy of the hind limb. The difference in thigh circumference between the two rear limbs was 4.6 cms. Following on five weeks from the repair,  Abby started rehabilitation and our challenges were:

- breed tendencies (active and highly strung)

- tendon contracture

- decreased ROM of the right hock (especially in flexion) 

- muscle atrophy

We tried to teach the client to perform heat and stretching of the distal limb, but the dog was not cooperative. The compromise was to treat Abby twice a week. The first three weeks of therapy consisted of photobiomodulation, heat and massage to release the tendons. This was very uncomfortable for Abby. After release we performed gentle weight shifting exercises to encourage weight bearing. The water in the underwater treadmill assisted with support in the early phases. After two months of therapy Abby was becoming increasingly resistant to our efforts. The circumferential difference between the two rear limbs had decreased to 1.5 cms. The digits remained slightly flexed and hock ROM improved marginally. It was decided to stop therapeutic interventions and reassess a month later. (This still has to happen). 

I am surprised and very pleased at the response. I was uncertain that we would be able to regain use of the limb because of the length of time that the injury had been present. 

Please click HERE to watch a video of Abby's rehabilitation progress.

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George, a 5 year old blind Schnauzer presented with chronic RHL lameness and was diagnosed with IVDD (lumbosacral). Physical rehabilitation, acupuncture and laser therapy were performed weekly together with a daily home exercise program, that was performed vigilantly by his owners. George presented with challenges being completely blind, which limited the ability to perform some rehabilitation exercises and progression of the rehab program at times. The combination of regular treatments, monitoring and persistence and dedication of his owner, enabled George to improve, build up his core strength, muscles and use of his RHL.

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'Bitsy' is a three-year-old female spayed terrier mix who became paralyzed in the hind legs after jumping across another dog in the car and taking a tumble. Bitsy's owner was referred for acupuncture treatment after two weeks of conventional treatment with a diagnosis of disc rupture at the T10-T11 intervertebral space. We began integrative therapy which included Chinese Herbal Medicine, photobiomodulation (cold laser) therapy and electroacupuncture. After biweekly acupuncture and laser treatments for one week, Bitsy was already showing strength in her hind legs and was beginning to be able to wag her tail again! Because of a dedicated owner and continued weekly laser and acupuncture treatments, Bitsy is able to move her hind legs and stand for brief periods. Bitsy now is active at home, has a new cart and is entering the rehabilitation phase of her recovery. It is uncertain how Bitsy would have done without integrative therapy but look at her now! Go Bitsy!!