Supplements

Caveletti

Cavaletti rails are available commercially or may be homemade using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rods, which are inserted into holes predrilled at various heights into traffic cones. When using cavaletti rails, the rails should be placed at a height that is feasible, yet challenging, for the patient to clear at a walking pace. The clip shows a dog being walked at a pace that allows the rails to be cleared with mild effort. As the strength and coordination of the patient improves, the rails should be elevated to continuously offer a feasible challenge. (See page 494 in the Manual)

Passive range of motion

PROM is an effective way to preserve joint range of motion in patients that have reduced limb use due to either neurological or orthopaedic conditions. It should be noted that because it is a passive exercise, it does not enhance muscle mass. When performing PROM, the patient should be relaxed and lying comfortably in lateral recumbency. The affected limb(s) should be gently held and each joint isolated and slowly taken through the full comfortable range of motion. This exercise should be repeated 15–20 times and as frequently as every 4 hours, depending on how often the patient moves their joints independently. (See page 490 in the Manual)

Sit to stand

The sit to stand exercise helps strengthen hindlimb extensor muscles as well as encourage full stifle flexion. Treats can be used to encourage the patient to assume a sitting position, where both stifle joints are fully flexed and the animal is sitting squarely. The patient is then coaxed into a standing position and the exercise is repeated. In weak patients, the exercise should be repeated until early signs of fatigue develop. (See page 492 in the Manual)

Underwater treadmill

This patient is recovering from decompressive spinal surgery and hydrotherapy is being used to facilitate ambulation. By having the water level with the shoulder joints, the water is providing buoyancy for the patient’s body. This allows a weak patient to ambulate whilst the water resistance increases muscle strength. The hydrotherapy session should be discontinued once early signs of patient fatigue are observed. (See page 494 in the Manual)

Weaving

Weaving is a useful rehabilitation exercise for improving limb coordination and encouraging the patient to shift their weight on to a limb following surgery for orthopaedic conditions. Traffic cones are effective props for this exercise. The patient is slowly guided past the cones, in a similar manner to a slalom race, where they pass to the right of the first cone, to the left of the second cone, to the right of the third cone, and so on. (See page 494 in the Manual)

Weight shift

This exercise involves isometric muscle strengthening and is appropriate for use on neurological patients who can stand without assistance, yet require strengthening of their appendicular muscles and enhancement of their balance. With the patient standing on a level non-slip surface, each limb is flexed in turn, thus requiring the patient to weight-bear on its contralateral limb. Each pose is held for 5–15 seconds, based on the patient’s ability. The activity may be repeated 3–4 times per day until the patient’s strength and co-ordination permit unassisted walking. (See page 492 in the Manual)