Stretches?

[kimbersmom]

Backstory: In 2012, Kimber had a spinal injury that temporarily paralyzed her back end. She regained nearly total use of her back right leg, but her back left leg is still weak.

Current regime: She gets 50 mg rimadyl a day (as well as fish oil and Glycoflex III), and we walk her regularly. Once a day, we do 'puppy squats' or use a flexiband harness to help keep her back muscles strong. Once a month, she sees a chiro/acupuncture vet.

Problem: The vet could not see her in January; she has an appointment for mid-February.

Result: She seems very stiff. When she stretches after laying down, she has a very limited range of motion. Last night, she needed a boost to get up the steps.

Request: Are there any specific puppy pilates/yoga stretches I can do with her?

Thanks in advance!

[POPTOP]

When I do massages on Mardi, I add in range of motion stretches. Place my hand on the shoulder, gently move the leg forward and back, as much as she tolerates. Very gently. I work each leg joint the same way, front and rear.

Knowing Kimber's history, you might want to pass this by the vet first.

[kimbersmom]

When I do massages on Mardi, I add in range of motion stretches. Place my hand on the shoulder, gently move the leg forward and back, as much as she tolerates. Very gently. I work each leg joint the same way, front and rear.

Knowing Kimber's history, you might want to pass this by the vet first.

thanks, Fran. We did ROM when she was first rehabbing, so that would probably be safe.

[barry581]

Sorry Kimber isn't feeling well. Hope she can get some relief and feels better soon!

[Jeff]

Actually, yes, there are quite a few, Hemi does a lot of different stretches both active and passive. You need to be careful doing the passive ones. Also along with Massage this can be great. Hemi does active stretching before and after agility classes or runs. We do active with passive when ever he does Pilates. I will see if I can capture some on video this weekend. Active stretches easy but passive I tend to use both hands so hard to film but will see what I can do. I am traveling for work today and tomorrow so Hemi is staying with my sister right now and I probably wont be home until late Friday night. However I would work with a trainer if you have one that can teach you. Too bad your not closer the Pilates class is going on right now where Hemi and I train. Which they teach all the stretching there too as you want a good warm up and cool down after.

[Snowco Labradors]

This product is great for massaging humans and dogs. The magnetic field helps the flow of blood to promote healing and the bumps on the balls work the massage. Hoping you can her feeling better.

Nikken.com

[kimbersmom]

Thanks, everybody! My rehab vet sent me a list of approved stretches. Most of them involve treat lures, so Kimber is quite approving.