My sheepdog had back surgery and will walk after I pick her up with a sling. She won't try to get up because she is weak. Are there any exercises to strength her? I need some to do with her laying down.
2007-05-11 08:33:27 · 2 answers · asked by Tall Turtle 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There are indeed physiotherapy exercises to get animals walking again after spinal surgery.
Helping her walk with a sling is good - she will gradually become stronger. While she's laying down, you can gently move her legs in and out in the way they would normally move, just to keep the muscles working. It will help them become stronger. It can take 6-8 weeks for the animal to be walking unaided again.
I've done physiotherapy on spinal patients a few times, I'm just a little reluctant to try and explain them in writing - it's best if you get a vet to demonstrate them to you, I'm afraid of making you do something wrong by explaining it wrong! Basically just keep her legs moving as they normally would. You need about 4 sessions of 20 minutes per day. There are also massages you can do - ask your vet!
Chalice
2007-05-11 10:18:24 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your vet always knows what is best in the circumstance each dog is in. ask your vet about this, and you'll probably get the perfect answer!
2007-05-11 15:37:06 · answer #2 · answered by Mary J 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋