Exercises for Paralysed Pets

When a dog has a spinal operation or has recently had some spinal trauma, its very important that we do exercises that will assist with neural recovery. These exercises involve the feet or paws touching the ground in a weight bearing position. Even if your pet is unable to hold their weight just the fact that they are trying helps with neural re-education. Neural re-education is essentially teaching the body to be able to walk again but doing specific exercises that encourage nerve impulses to be generated.

As often as possible please make your pet stand with their paws on the ground. Whenever your pet does this give them lots of praise and tell your pet that they are very clever. As long as your pet is standing on the dorsal (side facing upwards) surface of their paws they are getting no neural re-education.

These are the exercises I give to my clients to do with their pets after a spinal op and in cases of a spinal injury where there is paralysis or weakness. Before doing any of these exercises please discuss with your veterinary surgeon. In some cases therapeutic exercises are contraindicated for a period of time.

1.Flexor reflex : 4-6 x daily
Pinch the skin between the toes, or tickle the pads until your pet withdraws the leg. Look for active muscle contraction. If your pet starts getting used to your touch one can also use a feather or an electric toothbrush.
2. Sensory Stimulation: 4-6 x daily
Run your finger along the hairs on top of your pets paw against the hair growth.
3.Extensor strength : 3 x daily (20 bounces)
Stand your pet with feet hip width apart and support around the hips. Gently bounce your pet up and down so they have to bear weight on the hind limbs. Your pet may tire very quickly and sit down. Allow them to rest and then continue the reps.

4.Weight shifting: 3 x daily (20 reps)
Dog must stand with hind legs hip width apart. Support over the hips with both hands shifting their weight from side to side.

EXERCISE: WEIGHT SHIFTING from megan kelly on Vimeo.

5. Bicycling: 3x daily ( 10 reps)
In standing supporting the back end from behind running your hand between the legs onto the belly. Hold onto the paw and do circular bicycling movements as if your pet is walking. Always make sure the paw touches the ground with the paw pads down. Make sure the surface is not too rough else you will wear the paws raw.

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