Active Aging Fitness for senior K9's

Physiotherapists are biomechanics specialists. They assess the musculoskeletal and nervous systems for any issues that might be contributing to the dog's functional difficulties. The evaluation is the pivotal step in determining the dog's rehabilitation activities and assessing subsequent improvements and changes. The evaluation consists of: getting medical information from the veterinarian; obtaining the dog's history from the owner; observing the dog's mobility and gait; assessing the animal's range of motion, strength and neurological deficits, and palpating to discover areas of pain, tenderness, tightness, muscle atrophy and swelling.

How long has the problem been going on? The answer to this helps determine if the condition is acute or chronic and enables the practitioner to make a prognosis for the extent of recovery.

What has the owner observed regarding the problem? He or she might mention the dog's difficulty getting up the stairs; the dog may be either hesitant, walks with bunny hops, needs momentum or requires help. This gives a picture of the extent of the dog's weakness and creates milestones by which to measure progress.

· Does the dog hide more?

· Avoid playing with other dogs?

· Become grumpy with other dogs?

· Has the dog stopped greeting the owner at the door?

These are all indications that a dog is in distress. 

In the next portion of the evaluation, the practitioner will observe how the dog moves. For example,

· Does the dog struggle to get up, using mostly the front legs?

· Is the dog limping?

· Is the animal's coordination abnormal?

· Does the dog stand comfortably or is all the weight on the front legs? Or does it pick up a leg?

These can be indications of pain or weakness. Limping can be from discomfort or weakness and lack of trust in the leg. Using front legs to get up or shifting weight forward is indicative of rear leg pain or lack of strength. Impaired coordination usually implies an underlying neurological problem. After this, the hands-on examination begins.

· What is the quality of the muscling?

· Is there muscle atrophy?

· Is there tenderness?

· Do some of the joints feel thickened, have palpable boney changes or seem tender or swollen?

· What is the range of motion of each joint?

· Is there any ligamentous laxity?

Ligaments are like leather straps that hold the bones in place. If they are injured or stretched out, there is too much wiggle in the join. The therapist will also assess the spine for flexibility and joint mobility of the vertebra as well as tenderness along the spinal muscles. The practitioner will also test the dog's reflexes to see if they indicate any neurological abnormalities.

A treatment plan will include instruction for both home and in-clinic care.

After the practitioner thoroughly examines the dog, all the information from the veterinarian, the owner and the physical examination are put together to determine the main problem within the musculoskeletal system that is affecting the dog's ability to move and function. A treatment plan is designed to meet that dog's needs and will include instruction for both home and in-clinic care.

A home exercise program may include light massage, gentle stretches and range-of-motion exercises for joint health, and simple strengthening exercises. Often, a very important component of the home program is leash walks. Regular walks, even if they are very short, are critical. The older dog often is less active and, therefore, gets weaker. This becomes a vicious cycle. Walks encourage the dog to move and help maintain strength. Daily outings keep the dog mentally engaged, especially if the dog enjoys walks. Regular exercise is beneficial for organ health, as well.

In the clinic, treatment varies based on what equipment each clinic has and what that practitioner has found the most helpful. In-clinic treatments may include massage, stretching, cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation, acupuncture, strength and coordination exercises, and hydrotherapy.

 

 

Hydrotherapy includes exercise on an underwater treadmill, as well as swimming, and is particularly helpful. It has many benefits for all dogs, but can have an especially dramatic effect on senior dogs, providing a painless, fun means of exercise and movement. Why does hydrotherapy work so well? The reason is relatively simple: The water provides buoyancy, which diminishes the stress on the joints, allowing the dog to move without pain. When swimming, the dog moves his legs in a different manner than walking during treatment, which results in more range of motion and stretching of the joints and muscles. The water also offers resistance for muscle strengthening.

For the weak or the neurologically impaired dog that can't support itself against gravity, water exercise is liberating. With swimming, the dog can move without falling or having to hold himself up. Its muscles are used differently than on land, which can help with coordination and cross training. Cross training is helpful because the muscles are used in a different way than on land which helps with neuromuscular retraining and stretching soft tissues. While in the water, the practitioner can stimulate movement and work with patterning to retrain correct limb usage.

Physical therapy for older dogs is often an ongoing program. Regular sessions help maintain the dog's status. The frequency of the sessions depends on the effectiveness of the program and the practitioner's preference.

In summation, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in particular, has been shown to benefit older dogs. The overall result is improved quality of life and often a longer life, as well.

The Grey Muzzle