Experiences of canine physio?

[{97702}]

So Ace is still 3/10 lame after 2 weeks, despite being on a daily dose of metacam equivalent (Inflacam? Never heard of it before). Vet couldn’t find anything so said rest, but I’d expect to see some minor change after a couple of weeks and there is none.

I’ve got a good canine physio locally who I used to use for horses, the rescue charity have suggested I get Ace referred to her. I’m happy to do that but I’ve never used a canine physio before, just wondering what people’s experiences were? Same physio was always excellent with horses, I trust her entirely

 

[BallyJ]

I used a physio with my JRT alongside a hydro-therapist she gave us several exercises to do. I was impressed and surprised at how well my dog reacted.
She’s very anti-vet and doesn’t enjoy being touched by strangers,

over all I was pleased with the outcome and if required would definitely take her back!

 

[Karran]

I take Mrs Spaniel once every two-three months to make sure she has no hidden tweaks developing.
She mostly does hydrotherapy but sometimes has fun balancing on different objects to work core muscles or to strengthen various ones
They have spotted a couple of tight muscles that she's not showing any outward signs of and then we go home with our homework stretches. I really rate it, especially with all the different activities she does, i'd hate for her to not be feeling 100% but still working her paws off for me.

 

[alibali]

Like most things it depends on how good the physio is! However you obviously have a good one so I would highly recommend.

My GSD had a tplo for ruptured cruciate when she was about 8 years old. Done by a fantastic referral vet who for some reason said physio not required afterwards. She never really got full use of the leg back, not lame but always favoured it so it was a bit wasted compared to the other. Fast forward about 2 1/2 years and she was starting to struggle with arthritis is her hips along with the remaining weak leg. Normal vet suggested physio so I used the excellent physio who treated my horse. After 3 or 4 sessions the difference was amazing, her gammy leg gained strength and her movement was much more fluid. She got monthly physio for the rest of her life until we lost her aged nearly 13 to splenic cancer and she continued to move better than she had previously. It is an abiding regret of mine that I didn't ignore the surgeon and seek physio immediately post op for her.

 

[{97702}]

Thank you all, that’s really helpful to hear such positive experiences ? I know the rescue use one all the time as greyhounds frequently come off the track due to injuries, my own Marty had a lot of physio before he came to me, so I’m not sure why I wanted to ask really - it’s just extra reassurance I suppose ?

I’ll ring her tomorrow and arrange for the vets to refer Ace to her ?

 

[{97702}]

Oh - that’s unexpected - physio won’t see Ace until a vet has seen him again because he is getting worse not better I’ll try and get them to see him tomorrow, but they will want to X-ray I’m sure ?

 

[Blanche]

Oh poor Ace. Hope you can get him sorted soon.

 

[{97702}]

I’m worried now I must admit - he is on metacam so he should be sound (or at least better) but he is definitely worse? He is clearly stiffening up when he sleeps etc but it’s not good. He is also still lame on soft surfaces like grass, carpet etc. I have no idea what is going on

 

[splashgirl45]

no help with physio but my collie cross was prescribed inflacam as vet said they couldnt get hold of metacam. it made a slight difference but on the 4th day she was not well and had the runs really badly for the first time in her 14 year life. vet said give it a few days and try again but i have decided it must have been the medication and i wasnt prepared to risk another bad bout. she was quite poorly and it was very liquid (sorry anyone eating) and it took a couple of days to get her back to normal

 

[MrsMozartleto]

Oh sweetie. I hope it's something and nothing and he's back to his normal self soonest.

 

[{97702}]

no help with physio but my collie cross was prescribed inflacam as vet said they couldnt get hold of metacam. it made a slight difference but on the 4th day she was not well and had the runs really badly for the first time in her 14 year life. vet said give it a few days and try again but i have decided it must have been the medication and i wasnt prepared to risk another bad bout. she was quite poorly and it was very liquid (sorry anyone eating) and it took a couple of days to get her back to normal

That’s strange because Ace has the most incredibly delicate stomach and gets diarrhoea at the drop of a hat, but he is 100% normal? He is eating fine, drinking normally, poo and wee are fine, he is enjoying his sunbathing and nagging to go for a walk.... he is ‘just’ lame ???

 

[splashgirl45]

if it had happened to my old lurcher i would have been prepared but my collie has always been fine and she got me up 2 nights running with the second night having to get up 3 times which is unheard of for her....it was to help her as she has arthritis in her front legs and was looking stiff when she got up. i am afraid she will have to lump it now..

 

[skinnydipper]

if it had happened to my old lurcher i would have been prepared but my collie has always been fine and she got me up 2 nights running with the second night having to get up 3 times which is unheard of for her....it was to help her as she has arthritis in her front legs and was looking stiff when she got up. i am afraid she will have to lump it now..

If your dog is unable to tolerate NSAIDS there are alternatives drugs to manage arthritis pain. Your vet would be the best person to discuss options with you.

 

[splashgirl45]

If your dog is unable to tolerate NSAIDS there are alternatives drugs to manage arthritis pain. Your vet would be the best person to discuss options with you.

i will be speaking to vet next week and i know there are others but i wanted liquid as she gets very stressed if she has to have tablets put down her throat.. it made hardly any difference as well...she is already on yumove advance which she will eat with her food.

 

[skinnydipper]

i will be speaking to vet next week and i know there are others but i wanted liquid as she gets very stressed if she has to have tablets put down her throat.. it made hardly any difference as well...she is already on yumove advance which she will eat with her food.

I hope you find something to help. My last dog couldn't tolerate NSAIDS. He was prescribed a combination of medications plus laser and hydrotherapy.

I am sure you will have tried disguising the tablets, fortunately my dog would take his encased in Philly. I had another dog who could detect a tablet hidden in food at 40 paces and there was nothing for it but to open her mouth and help them down.

 

[wren123]

Is ace on yumove 360, the expensive one you can only get from the vet? My lab is on this for her arthritis and it works for her.
One thing we have to try next if she deteriorates is laser treatment, it's only £30 a session and my vet doesn't do it but he says he has seen some dogs improve a lot with it. I suggested physio but he said try the laser first. Metacam seems to have no effect on my dog in terms of improving lameness.

 

[skinnydipper]

So Ace is still 3/10 lame after 2 weeks, despite being on a daily dose of metacam equivalent (Inflacam? Never heard of it before). Vet couldn’t find anything so said rest, but I’d expect to see some minor change after a couple of weeks and there is none.

I’ve got a good canine physio locally who I used to use for horses, the rescue charity have suggested I get Ace referred to her. I’m happy to do that but I’ve never used a canine physio before, just wondering what people’s experiences were? Same physio was always excellent with horses, I trust her entirely

Last dog was referred to canine physio who advised on exercises we could do at home and hydrotherapy sessions (treadmill).

I hope you manage to get the big lad sorted.