I can't believe it's been a week since I posted; where does time go? I intended to get outside with the dogs and get some pictures of us playing but the weather has not cooperated. It's gone from warmer to cold to cold again. Today looks like our luck is changing, and it should be melting by this afternoon!
I took Spike to the chiropractor again this week and got great news. There was nothing wrong with his shoulders this trip; this is the first time since all this has started in November that he didn't have anything to do with his shoulders. So, we've been backed off to appointments every month to two months again and I came away with homework to do. I am supposed to work on the following with him:
1. Walk backwards
2. Stand with front paws on a stool and walk around it. (both directions)
3. Stand with back paws on a stool and walk around it. (both directions)
4. Stand with all 4 paws in a box and gradually make the box smaller until he has all 4 paws in a tiny box and can balance himself.
5. Walk through a ladder on the ground
6. Stand with paws on two sit fit cushions. He's supposed to have the front paws on one, the back paws on another. Gradually increase the distance between them.
All of these exercises are designed to strengthen his abdominals so that Mr. Long Back will have more support as he's jumping and that will help keep his back aligned. And, for his shoulders, I am pretty sure encouraging him to dig will help strengthen them, as long as everything is in alignment. That's good news for Spike as he lives to dig gophers up in the spring.
Sophie should have gone to the Chiropractor this week, but I didn't have an appointment for her. I am pretty sure she has things out in her back end, but she's managing to be her chipper self and she's not back at agility for a couple weeks anyway so I suspect it's ok for now. I am continuing with the plan of running with her; she gets to do lots of straight line running just to rebuild lost muscle tone in her back end. It takes time I guess, but I have seen improvements and that's encouraging. I keep thinking I should likely get Murphy to Dr. Orchard as well, but I haven't yet. I can't believe what a difference it's made for spike and Sophie!
5 comments:
Mango does some of those exercises too. He can't manage putting his hind in on the stool, but he does do his front end which strengthens his rear legs. Walking backwards is difficult, but we're trying. Keep up the good work!
Mango Momma
Those sound like really great exercises. I'll have to keep them in mind for if I decide to ever get a Corgi (years and years away). I might have Jackal do them too. :) He doesn't do much jumping, but fitness is good regardless. Glad everyone is doing so well. Keep up the great work!
Those exercises sound interesting. I'm having a bit of trouble visualising the one with Spike's back paws on a stool. Maybe you'll do a pictorial post one day!
Good luck with the exercises. Hope they work for him :)
I would like to start some exercises w/ Buddy, but I'm afraid he might still need surgery on his ACL...he has started limping badly again...
Keep up the good work Jen and Spike!!!
Hugs and belly rubs,
Kit
PS...my friend in North Dakota sent me a post-blizzard photo this week...I sent her a photo of my white trees, blooming pear trees...spring will be there soon! :)
How wonderful - I've been considering going into canine physical therapy. Very interesting indeed...Please keep us posted on improvements!
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