Abbey’s Casts of Many Colours: Recuperation through a World of Rehabilitation
Written by Audi Donamor Original publication:
Animal Wellness Magazine, Oct/Nov 2005: Volume 7, Issue 5: For a long,
healthy life!
Canadian Champion. Utility Dog Obedience Title. Tracking
Dog Excellent. Working Certificate Excellent. Junior
Hunter. Novice Agility Dog. Golden Retriever Club of
British Columbia Versatility Dog of the Year. Golden
Retriever Club of Canada Versatility Hall of Fame. By
her sixth birthday, Abbey truly had it all. More
important than all her titles, Abbey was the beloved
companion animal of her guardians, and last summer, no
one would have ever believed, that Abbey’s fairy tale
life was going to take a plunge, right down Alice’s
rabbit hole.
On a picture perfect day in July, Abbey
spotted a bunny, and every lesson she had ever learned,
took flight, as she ran by a sparkling lake, straight
into a blackberry patch. Ouch! The next ten seconds
would be played over and over again, in the minds of
Abbey’s guardians. Abbey’s day dream turned into a
nightmare, as she came out of the blackberry patch, holding
her right front
leg up, like a prized toy, without its
stuffing. X-rays confirmed Abbey’s guardians’ fear. It
would be a while before the sun would shine again. Abbey
was diagnosed with a hyperextension of her carpal joint,
and a whole new world was about to begin.
Regardless of the injury, animal guardians are faced
with a myriad of decisions, when it comes to their
beloved pet’s well being. For Abbey’s guardians, that
meant immediate consultation with their veterinarian. It
was suggested, that Abbey’s leg be casted above the two
joints, for six weeks. This decision embraced two hopes,
that the swelling would be reduced, and they would see
rejuvenation of the carpal joint. It was a slim chance,
but it was worth a try, and for the remainder of the
summer, and into the fall, Abbey wore a horse cast, up
to her shoulder.
Abbey's
First Blue Horse Cast
Six weeks later, it was sadly evident, that much more
extensive medical intervention would be necessary.
Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon followed, and it
was his opinion, that Abbey required surgery to repair
the hyperextended carpal joint. There was a second
option. Abbey’s leg could be amputated, one joint above
her injury. Recuperation from this type of surgery would
be swift, with no need for supplemental therapies, but
Abbey had been an exceptional canine athlete, and her
guardians, simply could not entertain this option. They
knew, that they had to take a leap of faith.
Abbey’s guardians were interviewed by the orthopedic
surgeon, to determine if they would be suitable
candidates to do the work that would be required for
eight months, following the surgical intervention.
There
was no textbook to refer to; there was no recipe to
follow. How could any guardian, imagine their canine
companion confined to strict “bed rest” for six months?
It takes love, boundless energy, fierce determination,
and lots of creativity.
Abbey's Second Cast
Life for Abbey and her
guardians was turned upside down. From August, through major surgery in September, and into October, Abbey’s guardians took her to the sparkling lake, so she could spend time under her special tree.
A CALMING INFLUENCE FOR YOUR CANINE COMPANION
Animals Apawthecary Tranquility Blend
was developed by Mary Wulff-Tilford and
Gregory L. Tilford, authors of the excellent
book, All You Ever Wanted to Know about
Herbs for Pets. Tranquility Blend is a
certified organic herbal remedy, that
provides a balanced combination of Valerian
Root, Skullcap, Oats Flower, and
Passionflower, in an alcohol free base. It
is very effective as a calming agent, in the
treatment of physical tension and acute
anxiety.
Dr. Bach’s Rescue Remedy
is often
referred to as a “First Aid Kit” in a
bottle, and is considered by many, to be the
most important remedy to have in your home,
for your companion animal. It is invaluable
for any situation requiring a calming
influence, including, injuries, surgical
procedures, and fear of thunder-storms. To
learn more about the power of flower
essences, check out Bach Flower Remedies for
Animals, by Helen Graham and Gregory Vlamis.
Herbs for Kids Chamomile Calm
contains Skullcap, Chamomile, Fennel, Hops,
and Catnip, in an alcohol free base, that
calms, balances, and nourishes the nervous
system.
Lavender
is one of only a few
essential oils, that is safe to use
undiluted, with your canine companion.
Lavender is gentle, and its scent is
calming. Only use pure essential oils! The
following recipe for a Canine Calming Blend,
from Kristen Leigh Bells's
Holistic
Aromatherapy for Animals, has been a house
favourite for over ten years. This blend,
can be combined with massage and Tellington
TTouch.
Combine the following in a dark glass
bottle:
1/2 ounce hazelnut or sweet almond base oil;
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil;
3 drops Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil;
3 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil; and,
3 drops Neroil or Sweet Orange Essential Oil.
Do not use essential oils on your cat.
Hydrosols of Lavender and Rose, can be used
to calm your feline friend.
Tellington TTouch’s Cloud Leopard Touch Tellington TTouch is something you and
your canine companion can do any time,
anywhere. It calms the body and the spirit.
One of the basic Tellington TTouch exercises
is called the Cloud Leopard, and it is very
easy to do. Use your fingertips, to press
your dog’s skin lightly, and move it in a
single circle of about one quarter of an
inch to one inch in diameter. Then, lift
your hand from the skin and move it to
another place to make the next circle.
TTouch circles are usually made in a
clockwise direction, starting at the 6
o’clock position, going around once, and
ending at the 8 o’clock position. Tellington
TTouch techniques like the Cloud Leopard,
not only relieve tension and anxiety, but
also increase circulation, and help relieve
pain and inflammation.
To learn more,
visit the world wide listing of
TTouch practitioners. |
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Kongs filled with frozen organic peanut
butter, became regular treats, and there was an endless
supply of raw marrow bones. Abbey even went on boat
rides, carefully lifted into her guardians’ Zodiac,
where she lay contented in the bottom, like a queen,
watching the scenery float by. Abbey’s guardians would
do anything to keep her busy and settled. Along with
traditional veterinary medications, flower essences,
like Dr. Bach’s Rescue Remedy, and herbal blends, like
Herbs for Kids Chamomile Calm and
Animals Apawthecary
Tranquility, were always on hand. Essential Oil of
Lavender, came in handy too. Life revolved around
Abbey’s every need. At home, Abbey’s guardians installed rubber matting that
is commonly used in horse stalls,, at the bottom of
stairways, to ensure that there was as little impact as
possible on Abbey’s leg.
Every time that Abbey went
outside, her leg had to be wrapped. A variety of options
were explored, to make sure that Abbey’s leg stayed dry.
Ultimately, the best solution came in the guise of heavy
IV bags, with their tops cut off, so Abbey’s
veterinarian saved the bags for his very special
patient.
Abbey’s guardians explored alternative pain management
strategies and products, to complement traditional
veterinary medications. A great place to begin your own
research, is with
The International Veterinary Academy
of Pain Management, whose
goal is to eventually certify veterinarians as Pain
Management Specialists. Veterinary fleece provided a
wonderful cushion for Abbey, and Thermoflow wraps were
included with each of Abbey’s 15 colourful casts.
Thermoflow products are designed for pain relief,
improved health, and illness prevention. They help mend
injured or over-used muscles, tendons, and ligaments,
and are used to increase circulation, reduce swelling,
and relieve pain. Thermoflow is made from woven
polypropylene and polyurethane materials, impregnated
with micro-particles of lead free bio-ceramics, that
reflect natural healing, called “far infrared energy.”
Abbey also wore a Bioflow magnetic collar, lay on a
Nikken magnetic bed, and proudly sported a magnet on her
casts. Magnotherapy is based on the principle that a
magnetic energy field speeds up the blood supply,
allowing more oxygen to enter the blood stream, and
helping to reduce swelling. Magnetic therapy has been
used for pain management, for centuries. Bioflow offers
a large range of magnetic therapy products for companion
animals. External application of
Arnica tincture, can
support the healing of muscle strains and bruises, by
increasing capillary blood circulation, but should only
be applied on unbroken skin. Laser therapy improves
wound healing, by increasing blood flow and cellular
energy, with infrared light. HEEL company’s homeopathic
Traumeel, is always on hand, in the medicine cabinet. For two months, Glucosamine Sulfate, which has
anti-inflammatory and joint regenerating properties, was
specially compounded for Abbey, in a beef base. Swiss
Natural Sources Certified Tested Sodium Free Glucosamine
Sulfate was an effective substitute. Glucosamine Sulfate
is a compound that contains both Glucosamine and Sulfur,
which is found in and around tendons, ligaments, and
connective tissue. Suggested dosages are 250 mg to 500
mg for small dogs, 500 mg for medium sized dogs, and
1000 mg to 1500 mg, for large dogs. It is important,
that any product you choose, has a guaranteed analysis,
and don’t forget to talk to your vet. Two special remedies, also became part of Abbey’s daily
regimen, Professional Complementary Health Formulas
Collagen Complex, which provides nutritional support for
tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, and Bone Stim
Liquescence, a homeopathic remedy that supports bone
regeneration, drainage, and is recommended for
conditions such as osteoporosis. To learn more about
these FDA Registered Laboratory products,
visit here.
Nutrition played a significant role in Abbey’s recovery.
It was essential that she stay lean during her
recuperation and rehabilitation. Abbey’s food intake was
cut in half, and frozen
Kongs, like those she enjoyed so
much at the sparkling lake, filled in the gaps, stuffed
with a variety of taste sensations, from fresh fruit
chunks to frozen yogurt to liver snaps. Abbey’s meals
included a variety of cooked and raw organic foods, and
fresh herbs from the garden, chosen for their nutrient
value. Proteins were rotated and extra care taken, to
ensure, that Abbey was getting the nutritive support she
needed.
Special supplements were added to Abbey’s diet, to
further encourage the healing process. If you are
considering supplements for your canine companion, add
one at a time, at an interval of about every three days,
so if sensitivity occurs, the amount of supplement being
given can be reduced, or, omitted altogether. It is
important to remember though, that before embarking on
any supplement programme, you talk to your veterinarian,
or an animal nutritionist.
Since Abbey had to take antibiotics for five months,
acidolphilus was a daily addition to her diet, to help
maintain a healthy micro-floral balance in her
gastrointestinal tract. There are a variety to choose
from. Some dogs do best, with a non-dairy formulation,
like SISU Dophilus Plus Acidolphilus. Other supplements
included, Wild Salmon Oil, and Vitamins B, C, and E.
Herbs to consider, if your canine companion breaks a
bone or injures a joint, include Yucca, which is
recommended when joints appear swollen, and are hot to
the touch, Alfalfa, to support bone injuries, and Kelp,
for mineral support.
Animals Apawthecary Alfalfa/Yucca
Blend, acts as an anti-inflammatory, nutritive, and
diuretic.
Debriding Abbey’s leg and foot, was a real concern for
her veterinarian and guardians. For some time following
Abbey’s surgery, casts had to be changed twice a week
because of perspiration build-up, that resulted in
severe dermatitis and infection. Each time a cast was
removed, Abbey’s foot was debrided, then rewrapped and
casted. Two toes and nails were left exposed, to
counteract accumulated perspiration, and avoid possible
plastic surgery. Buro Sol Antiseptic Powder soaks,
proved to be effective, backed up by
Rex Eme Cream,
Aroma Crystal Therapy Herbal Bandage, and Colloidal
Silver. All the hard work of Team Abbey paid off,
because further surgery was not required, and an Animal
Wellness Magazine Approved
Neo-Paws boot was the perfect
protection for Abbey’s delicate foot.
Just because your canine companion is shut in, does not
mean that you have to shut out the world. Abbey’s
guardians created a new and special place,
affectionately called “The Quiet Zone,” and while
silence was “golden” for a while, The Quiet Zone soon
became “Entertainment Central,” a safe and stimulating
space for Abbey to heal, physically and emotionally.
Kids
Making a Snowman with Help from Abbey, with her Neon
Pink Cast, and Bob
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It
also became one of Abbey’s guardian’s temporary office,
so that she was never without supervision, especially in
the early stages of her recuperation and rehabilitation
after surgery. A steady stream of neighbourhood kids
came to visit Abbey, bearing special treats, and ready
to play a variety of games with her, and she was excited
to see everyone, including the postman. Abbey’s guardian came up with all kinds of ways to keep
Abbey busy. Play therapy took on a whole new meaning. An
empty egg carton, with a homemade cookie in each slot,
then closed and sealed with duct tape, could keep Abbey
amused for up to an hour. “Hide and Seek” and “Scent”
activities with toys, were based on basic obedience
skills. Abbey was taught all kinds of “Click and Treat”
parlour tricks, to entertain her many visitors, which
she is now able to share with residents at a retirement
lodge, during regular therapy visits.
Books by Dr. Ian
Dunbar, Pat Miller, and Karen Pryor, are packed with
ideas.
There are also a variety of
interactive puzzle games
available that are perfect for recovering canine
companions. The Kyjen Company makes “Hide a Bird,” “Hide
a Squirrel,” “Hide a Bee,” “Puzzle Pup,” “i Cube,” and
“Cagey Cube,” plush toys that not only keep your dog
occupied, but also help them to develop problem solving
skills. In our house, we are never without “Egg Babies.”
Each toy contains three soft eggs with squeakers, hidden
in elasticized pouches. Abbey’s eyes always lit up, when
she saw an egg coming her way, especially when it was in
the mouth of her special pal, Bob the Dog.
Having a friend like Bob, made a world of difference to
Abbey, who delighted in their interaction. Abbey’s
guardians feel that Bob played a very significant role
in Abbey’s recovery. Bob didn’t feel sorry for Abbey. He
was there to be by her side, and seemed to innately
know, how much activity she could tolerate. Hours were
spent passing a plush egg back and forth, playing a
gentle game of tug, or simply chewing on bones.
Massage, by certified practitioners, was an integral
part of Abbey’s rehabilitation programme. Sue Furman,
who teaches canine and equine massage classes, describes
massage as a hands-on manipulation of the muscles and
other soft tissues, with the intent of benefiting the
companion animal.
Abbey
receiving Massage Therapy
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Simply put, massage is touch with a
purpose, and it yields many physical and emotional
benefits, not only to the pet, but to the guardian too.
Massage stimulates circulation, enhances range of
motion, relieves muscle spasms, promotes relaxation, and
reduces stress, fostering an overall sense of well
being.
Over the course of Abbey’s year long recuperation
and rehabilitation programme, she experienced a variety
of massage techniques, including, Shiatsu and Tellington
TTouch. Tellington TTouch, developed by Linda Tellington-Jones,
and practiced around the world, is based on circular
movements of the fingers and hands, all over the body,
so
animal guardians do not have to be anatomy experts to
use this complementary therapy, to support the healing
process. Visit
www.tteam-ttouch.com,
for a complete list of TTouch products and
practitioners. Massage continues to be a part of Abbey’s daily routine,
but it is important to keep in mind, that massage is not
for every dog, and is not a substitute for professional
veterinary care. It is important for guardians to do
their homework, to choose the best practitioner for
their companion animal’s needs. Check out
The
International Association of Animal Massage and Body
Work.
GReat
Therapy for Abbey (in foreground), Walking Best Friend,
Bob the Dog, home from the Park
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After 15 casts, the last one, a bright neon pink,
featuring a decal of martini glass, to celebrate their
Team Abbey’s victory, Abbey was ready to embark on a new
adventure in rehabilitation, at “Vital K9,” Vancouver
Island’s first and only therapy and leisure pool,
devoted entirely to dogs.
Prior to each swimming
session, Abbey received a Shiatsu treatment, a type of
centuries old Japanese body work, that involves the
application of finger pressure to different parts of the
body, stimulating circulation, increasing flexibility,
and helping to restore Abbey’s inner balance. Abbey had
always loved the water, so swimming was the perfect
activity to further heal Abbey’s body and spirit.
Swimming is so beneficial, because it is the only form
of exercise, where there is no impact on joints or soft
tissues. The buoyancy of the water, actually helps to
open joint spaces, resulting in increased range of
motion, and because the water also provides resistance,
all major muscle groups are worked at the same time.
Abbey had to be re-taught how to use and extend her leg
while swimming. At first, she threw her leg out to the
side, rather than extending it out to the front, but
with the special assistance of two trained therapists,
Abbey progressed at a rapid pace, and it was a joy to
see her having so much fun.
Abbey
Beginning her Water Rehabilitation
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If you would like to learn
more about water therapy for your own cherished canine companion,
just visit online at
www.k9hydrotherapy.co.uk, to find centres in
Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and
Europe.
Abbey and her guardians were lucky. They found a
wonderful certified physiotherapist, who was willing to
do at home visits. Gillian, a member of the Canadian
Horse and Animal Physical Rehabilitation Association,
combined physiotherapy exercises and ultrasound, in
weekly one hour sessions.
Ultrasound, also called
acoustic energy, simulates cellular activity, by
increasing cellular protein synthesis.
What does this
mean? Well, simply put, ultrasound’s high frequency
sound waves, cause mechanical vibrations, that feel like
a massage, but on the cellular level, which makes it an
ideal complementary therapy for a variety of conditions,
including, soft tissue and ligament injuries, and
arthritic and muscular pain, and ultrasound, can even
help in the reduction of scar tissue.
Abbey
(on left) with Bob the
Dog who Helped with Recovery and Rehabilitation Process, Accompanying his GirlPal to her Water Therapy Sessions
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Nearly one year and 15 casts later, Abbey is back at her
sparkling lake, doing all the things she loved to do
with one very important difference. Today, when Abbey
spots a bunny coming her way, she sits and stays,
because she knows, that a “click,” will be followed by a
very special treat, while the bunny makes a fast
retreat.
Back at the Sparkling Lake where it all Began, Bob the
Dog (on left) with Abbey, Sporting their Favourite Bumpers and Ready for their own
Version of Therapy
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