Hartley is Doing Physiotherapy!!

[Stella]

Some of you may remember that I posted a while ago about Hartley limping.  We went back to the vet several times because he wasn't really improving with rest and Metacam.  We had his shoulder x-rayed to rule out a problem with the joint, and they came back clear.  The vet wanted to send him to an orthopaedic surgeon if he didn't improve after a further two weeks of meds and rest.  He did get a bit better, but gradually the limp returned when we reintroduced activity.  I wasn't too keen on going to see a surgeon, particularly as the diagnosis was a 'soft tissue injury'.  I also wasn't really happy to keep him on total rest - boring for him and us, and would lead to deconditioning of muscles and his cardiorespiratory system - he is usally very very active!!

I am a 'people physio' and decided that we would try going down that route first.  I had seen this lady speak at a seminar my agility group put on about core strengthening in dogs.  She is certified in Canine Rehabilitaiton (can't call herself a physio because physio is a protected title), and I was pretty impressed with her knowledge at the seminar.

We made the 3.5 hour drive down to Toronto to see her, and it was well worth the drive.  She had a great facility, including a pool for water therapy.  She did a very thorough assessment, gave us a diagnosis (medial shoulder instability) and a treatment plan including a home exercise programme.  She also told us what forms of exercise we could do and what to avoid for now.  I feel so much better having an idea of what is going on and what to do about it.  She even showed me how to wrap his shoulder to prevent it from moving into the excess range of motion while it heals.  So, hopefully the limp will go away and we can return to agility in the spring.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wishing the best for Hartley.

[Stella]

Thanks! I am hoping that this is going to do the trick!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Wishing Harley a speedy recovery.  I just love this pic.  He is a beautiful doodle.

[Stella]

I love it too! I entered it for the DK calendar, but it isn't landscape so I don't think it'll make it!

[Bonnie and Kona]

What a hopeful posting! Thanks so much for the update. Harley is gorgeous. Hoping he feels great soon.

[BG and Gavin]

Having a plan of action always makes me feel so much better.  Gorgeous pic of Hartley.  You are a great doodle mom.  I am sure the treatment will have him back on his feet (paws) in no time.

[Stella]

I really, really hope so. He just loves to play fetch, & right now we aren't allowed. So, I hope this works and we can get his ball out again.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It sounds like you have an excellent plan. I wish you well.

[Stella]

Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This sounds like a great plan. I hope it helps and Hartley is soon feeling much better!

[Stella]

So do I!! The hard part is finding the time to do his exercises every day. Now I know how my clients feel when I give them heck for not doing their home programme! I am so glad we went to see this lady. I feel much more hopeful now that he will get better.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Hartley is one handsome Doodle!  I'm so glad you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan.  Here's hoping that he's better and back to agility soon!