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Tuesday, July 5, 2016

R's CUE Surgery Recovery Week 11 - Positive Training Techniques in Rehab!

This post is part of the Positive Pet Training Blog Hop because R's rehab from CUE surgery would not be possible without positive training. I honestly can say that "corrections" would do NO good in helping him learn his exercises. The biggest correction he gets is that I say "oops" when a paw falls off his blue squishy disk. That reminds him to "fix it" by putting that paw back on the disk.

We are now in Week 11 after R's CUE surgery (canine unicompartmental surgery). We feel that R's gait is quite variable. One day, he'll look "perfect" - as if he has no pain - and then the next day, he'll limp obviously. We try not to have our outlook vary with his limp! We just keep at the rehabilitation, helping him get stronger.

We were buoyed by our vet's opinion that he's doing better than any of the other CUE surgery patients she's seen before. She says that he's stronger and in less pain than the other patients at the same time in the recovery.

We still have a long way to go before he'll be living his normal life, which usually involves at least 30 minutes of trail running and one longish hike per day with some off-leash time to play with his sister. However, we can see that he'll be able to do those things in the foreseeable future, which is a great feeling!

Today I'm sharing a video of some of his rehab. He's turned into a Circus Dog with all the crazy tricks he's had to learn to do his rehab. You can watch it here or at Youtube.


You might remember that part of why I'm doing this chronicle of R's recovery is that I could find nothing on the web about dog owners' experiences after CUE surgery. I hope that my chronicle will help another dog owner someday!

19 comments:

  1. It sure looks like lots of progress to us, seriously. You see that handsome boy every day and we don't and he looks much better every time. Hopefully all will go as planned and R will be normal before you know it!

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  2. looks like he is coming along real well. and momma said she would very much like your recipe to help me with my elbow
    Blessings,
    Buddy

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  3. I am so impressed by the coordination he shows - and you, too! I'd be tripping over my own feet with that peanut.
    Very nice of you to make these videos for others who may be in your situation someday :)

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  4. that's encouraging that your vet had such good news... and we cross our paws for 100% happy R.

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  5. And I can see the workout you get several times daily too, and hope maybe a weekend day off. He is doing so well, and I am sure this is all due to your time doing all these exercises. I am so sure the vet knows this . I did laugh at the side stepping part. Thanks goodness I do not have to participate with Hugh for his hamstring strengthening ones!!!

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  6. Wow! You are doing fantastic, R! Bravo to both you and your mom!

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  7. Hari OM
    OMDness R, you could make money busking with those acts!!! Bravo bravo!!! I guess this is a bit like rehab for a human after they had hip or knee replacement and there are going to be good and bad days always - until one day, suddenly, it all seems worth it. Thank dogness you have such a talented and faithful pawrent to assist you &*> Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  8. We continue to be impressed by your dedication to R's recovery - we know that the speed and quality of his recovery is due in very large part to this dedication. He is doing great!!!

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  9. I think R is doing so much better because you already did such grreat training with him, so he was able to jump right into his rehab exercises. I don't think I could do those! Way to go, R!!

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  10. I think we need to send our dad to you instead of where he is going. stella rose

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  11. I think it is all wonderful information and I'm glad you are posting it. I'm hoping I'll never need to refer back to it, but it's good to know there is a resource available if I do.

    Monty, Harlow and Ramble

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  12. We have a hunch that R's success from the surgery has MUCH to do with the after-care and PT you do with him!


    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  13. R is such a handsome Lab! He probably loves the attention during rehab, but I'm sure he'd rather be running and jumping.

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  14. we agree - R's recovery is due to your dedication to his recovery
    Your record of everything will be so helpful to others going through the same rehab!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  15. R you look so happy walking and doing your rehab exercises
    Snorts,
    Lily & Edward

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  16. R has really shown remarkable progress. The videos are not only interesting to watch, they would be invaluable for others trying to rehab their dogs. Kudos to you and to R.

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  17. Were just so happy that R is doing soo good!
    love
    tweedles

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  18. I'm glad to hear that he is recovering and getting stronger. It looks like he is having a lot of fun with the rehab exercises!

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  19. I'm glad he's doing well and recovering. Thanks for joining the hop.

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