Around 6 months of age, Frank — a Pit Bull mix — developed a change in gait. His owner pursued an orthopedic evaluation and it was suspected that he may have bilateral cruciate tears. This is rare in such a young dog, so samples of joint fluid were taken to be sure there was nothing else going on in the joint, such as an infection. Unfortunately one of the joint taps actually caused an infection, which inflicted significant damage on the joint and resulted in a major setback.

Frank presented to VRSVA when he was 3 years of age. He was painful, lacking musculature, and overweight from inability to exercise for the past 2.5 years. The goal was to improve his comfort, strength, and weight to help prepare him for a staged bilateral TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery. Both animals and people are better surgical candidates and have smoother recoveries from surgery if they have undergone pre-habilitation first.

Our therapists first worked with Frank’s owner to develop a nutrition plan to help him safely reach a better weight as physical therapy was initiated. Frank’s muscles were weak, stiff and painful, so massage with gua sha techniques and trigger point therapy were used to improve circulation and decrease swelling. The Class IV laser was used to improve circulation, decrease inflammation, and help loosen musculature. Frank began exercise in the underwater treadmill at high water levels. High water helps provide buoyancy, taking weight off painful limbs. The water also provides stability during workouts, while building strength with resistance.  High water treadmill work is one of the most gentle forms of exercise, ideal for  weak and painful limbs.

As Frank progressed, the therapists at VRSVA also developed a series of standing exercises for him to improve strength, coordination, and range of motion.

Frank gained considerable strength and comfort and his weight improved. He underwent a TPLO surgery on his left side and then a few months later, on his right side, continuing rehabilitation work to speed each of his recoveries.   

We are so happy to report that Frank has been able to return completely to normal activity without pain! His owner reports that she has a new dog! He’s been able to go on long walks and hikes for the first time in his adult life.