The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

I'd say Walker has his very own guardian angels watching over him!!

I took a video of Walker last night of him in his wheels. Before last night, he would always stand still (seemingly in protest) and would not move. So I started putting him in his wheels and taking him on short walks. But I had to put his back paws in the stirrups so that he wouldn't drag his paws on concrete. Then I had a genius idea to put boots on him during his walks and leave his paws out of the stirrups so he could get more range of motion. Which of course, the noise of the boots dragging the ground scared him.

Anyway, last night was the first night I was able to put him in his wheels in the backyard and he would walk! I was amazed! Look at how steady he is and how he looks like a "normal" dog walking around.


My question is, I know this is good exercise for him and all, but more than that, do you think it's good physical therapy for him? It certainly keeps him steadier and slows him down a little. But as far as actually progressing, what do you think?

http://youtu.be/rLuMFiBp1lU

Walker looks so much happier checking out his back your with the walker.

It looks like your are doing the right think by putting him in the walker in his backyard. He is keeping both of his back legs straight and putting some weight on each. It appears that he would get stronger using the walker that way.

I don't know if I would do as well as you have if the same thing happened to one of our fur babies. I would use you as a great example. You are doing such a wonderful job with Walker. Keep it up. He is in the best hands. Give him a hug and a kiss from us.

Wow, I would ask the doctor who is following him but he looks amazing with his wheels. I would think it would properly strengthen his legs but that is only an opinion.

Wow! He does look so much more steady!
I know nothing about PT for people or puppies, but I would think that if he is actually putting weight on this legs, it would at least help.
It reminds me of using training wheels to learn how to ride a bike. The main wheels (legs) are doing the work but the training wheels are just there to keep you from falling over. Then you adjust the training wheels as you go so they do less and less work. And the legs do more.
I'm sure others who have more experience will chime in with better info. You could also show the video to your vet and get their opinion too.
We mostly just want to say, "WOW!!!"
Still cheering you on Walker!

Minneapolis Parti Girls

He does great in the walker. It looks like just the right amount of support he needs to keep him balanced. This is a winning idea. Keep up all your hard work.

I think he looks great Kaci, I would think the muscles in his back leg would benefit from the activity when he's in his wheels. You have done really good with him.

I agree. I think the cart gives him some added support and takes the pressure or stress off of his spine so that it can heal, but, I would confirm that with the vet as well. He's looking great (and very happy).

He looks good and like a good idea to put him in his wheels, but I have no idea how often. I would ask the vet or if Walker has a physical therapist, ask them.

Kaci, as a physical therapist I will tell you that you are doing great by putting him on the wheels. There are many reasons such as is better to have quality of movement even if is with support than poor and disorganized movement without support. Secondly he is steadier with wheels, his ligaments, and muscles are not suffering by having to drag his legs on and off, he is re-learning motor planning and motor control by providing the assistance of the wheels and he looks so much better he even has this pride look. It may take some time to wean him off the wheels but it might be time worth spent as you want a better long term result. He is doing wonderful and on his way to recovery. Keep the good work.

Simply awesome to watch him! I agree that I think it is good for him. Watching him drag his legs, even though he may not be in pain, I thought might not be good for him - but this keeps his spine straight, his legs straight and supports his whole back end. It sure looks like a great idea to me to keep using it. I'd be sending that video to the vet tomorrow to get his/her opinion. You are doing such a GREAT job. Keep up the good work.

Kaci, Walker looks great!
You can see the joy in his face as he is checking out his domain.
What an amazing little dog!

Hi Kaci
It is totally remarkable and inspiring how Walker has been progress (and I do agree with words from Dawn and Tina). And I do believe in prayers and forum miracles. Keep up the great progress and how fortunate Walker is to have such a great family support system

debbierg

I have no medical background, but my gut feeling watching that video agrees with the rest - the wheels and frame support him and keep his torso straight while his muscles get stronger. Too much walking without it where he's constantly twisting and having to rebalance himself probably puts strain on him more than just steady walking with the wheels. He looks great - and he's clearly happy using them, look at that tail go!

Hello all. I thought I'd update you guys on my boy. He's doing really well. We are definitely walking, it's still not real pretty, but he's starting to get the hang of it again. He's starting to bend his knees in the rear (I guess that's what they are) and so he's starting to stand up from a sitting position using his knees.

He isn't pooing inside as much! I think that has saved our sanity a little bit. He's also squatting when he pees. I still have to help express all of his bladder, but he's doing a great job of getting most of it out.

Here is a video of him in his wheels playing with the laser. You get it all in this video: nub wiggles, running in his wheels, back legs moving, and even a little Ranger.

Soon, I'll post a video of him out of his wheels and let you guys see how truly far he's come.

http://youtu.be/k_YD_RyEwPs

Sending healing prayers and thoughts for Walker from Buddy, Leo, Nancy and ME! We are painfully aware of what you are going through! Gods speed for your recovery Walker and a huge hug and kiss from us!

It thrills me to read each all updates showing walker is continuing to improve

Keep it up, handsome dude

Aww...Walker is adorable chasing the light. It is heart warming to see him play.
And an inspiration to see the pay off from the hard work you have done in helping Walker heal.

:)
Leigh & Arlo

He's looking good!