Case Study: Buddy

Basic Information

Name: Buddy
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Sex: Male, Neutered
Weight: 50 lbs.
DOB: 1/27/02

History

Buddy was admitted to the local emergency clinic for progressive paraparesis in the hind end. An MRI was done revealing a massive intervertebral disc extrusion between L3 and L4, and severe spinal cord compression.

Presenting Problems

Post hemilaminectomy

Condition / Diagnosis / Findings

Buddy arrived at TheraVet 5 days post surgery for boarding and therapy. He was unable to stand, or walk, unless assisted with a sling. Buddy was able to intermittently move his left hind leg forward during the cranial phase of the walk, but would drag and knuckle over with his right hindleg.

Therapy Goals

Ambulation, pain management, and weight loss.

Course of Therapy

Therapy was performed three times daily to aid in pain relief and ambulation. After the first week of manual therapy, Buddy was ready for hydrotherapy. We began working with him in the underwater treadmill, and boy did he love it! Due to the buoyancy of the water Buddy was able to walk and stand on his own with no assistance. After less than a week of hydrotherapy, Buddy became stronger and was able to stand on his own and take a few steps out of the water. Now that Buddy was ambulatory we could begin concentrating on weight loss and muscle strengthening. Each day Buddy's treadmill time and speed was increased. Hydrotherapy, along with other modalities was continued daily.

Progress Evaluation

After almost three weeks of boarding and therapy Buddy was ready to go home. He was now standing and walking on his own with mild ataxia in the back end. We sent Buddy and his Mom home with exercises to perform on the days that he didn't come for therapy. Buddy would continue daily therapy at TheraVet 2-3 times a week to lose weight and strengthen his back end.

Progress to Date

Buddy has made remarkable progress, and is back to his crazy self. He has lost almost 10 pounds and continues to drop the weight. Buddy is still slightly ataxic in the back end, so we are concentrating on balance and Proprioception. He continues to come for therapy once a week.