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Case Study: Ripken
Basic Information
Name: Ripken
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Male, Neutered
Weight: 101 lbs.
DOB/Age: 2/14/1994
History
Arthritis in both elbows, surgery on right knee due to torn cruciate ligament 1/04. Ripken is very stubborn and will not go for walks; hence he is overweight. Has a history of allergies and ear problems.
Presenting Problems
Declining mobility, osteoarthritis in both elbows, degenerative joint disease in right stifle, obese. Owner concerned about mobility, decreased muscle mass and quality of life.
Condition / Diagnosis / Findings
Ten to twenty pounds overweight, decreased muscle mass in hindlegs, pain in lumbosacral region, decreased range of motion in both elbows and both stifles. Crepitation and medial buttress present in stifles bilaterally. Mild pain upon extension of hips bilaterally. Compensatory muscle tightness/stiffness in both shoulder regions.
Therapy Goals
Weight loss, pain relief, improve mobility, increase muscle mass
Course of Therapy
Ripken sure can be stubborn!!! Once we get him going he does fine. He started with biweekly therapy consisting of the underwater treadmill, LASER and Hakomed whirlpool. We also added nutraceuticals and Tramadol to aid in pain relief.
Progress Evaluation
Ripken responded well to therapy by increasing his mobility and improving his muscle mass. His owner was able to start taking him on walks, which also helped with weight loss. Two months into therapy, Ripken, had a reaction to his pain medication that caused him to have a gastric ulcer which needed emergency surgery. Luckily he recovered well from this and was able to continue therapy. He continues to maintain his muscle mass, but has currently developed slight neurological deficits in both hindlimbs.
Progress to Date
Ripkin is currently at 85 lbs and is coming in for weekly therapy consisting of the underwater treadmill, LASER and Hakomed whirlpool. This maintenance program allows him to sustain his weight, muscle mass, provides pain control, keeps his neurological deficits from progressing and gives him mental stimulation. We absolutely love him!!!!
Our beloved Ripken passed away in his sleep on 10/10/08. He had the sweetest soul in the world and will be missed by everyone that he touched! We love you Ripken….may you be stubborn in heaven as well!
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