9 week Airdale pup with hamstring contracture

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Airdale pup got stepped on by adult dog at approx 4 weeks old or younger. Went

to other vet - did NSAID and rest, went to surgeon at 6 weeks with complete NWB

and hamstring contracture. I saw the pup first time 1 week post op from surgery.

Apparently pup also has incompletely formed to non existent patella. The owner

has been fabulous and has been working on stretching and PROM since surgery.

I received go ahead from surgeon last week to do what I can - he is pessimistic

for regaining use of leg.

Tarsal flexion 35 degrees, extension at 90

Stifle 45 flex and 110 extension

The ROM feels clean in the stifle, on extension - just stops and is tight -

hamstrings will not go any further.

Hip has great ROM

LArge degree muscle atrophy in leg, quads, gluts and even in foot size -

smaller.

Leg hangs down and does occassionaly toe touch

First rehab session -

-joint mobs to toelrance - more grade 2

-peanut ball to support front , and roll him back to see if he would toe touch -

had to lift good rear leg to put NWB on ground. Would do with assist

- rhythmic stabilization - in sitting, and partial standing - with pressure at

hock and if could worked way up to stifle.

Did both exercises with and without hair scrunchie around toes on NWB

Then worked on toe pinch and withdraw reflex

And Estim with leads on quads and gluts.

Home Exercise - foot scratching on ground - stimulate walking and tactile,

stretching, will try the hair scrunchie, and ear scratching

What level of E stim would be best - did not tolerate constant tetanus v well

1st time, had to maintain at low level, and did not see contraction of muscles -

but pup became agitation when at the " on " cycle - tolerate synchronous better

what other exercise would be good - stimulation type - brushing, vibration,

simulated walking while on side

we are doing situps at home as well

I do not feel much else will work until he bears weight on leg.

Eva