Tuesday, March 8th, 2016...9:01 am
One month post op!
It’s already one month post op! It seems like it’s flown by now! I feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief that a month has past and it looks like (fingers crossed) he’s past all the tough obstacles.
He’s now back to his normal routine now and he seems much happier for it.
A noticeable change is that he’s been getting much better at running. He had a lot of endurance before his amputation and it seems to be coming back. He still has tumbles every now and then but he’s quick to learn from his mistakes. He’s learning to co-ordinate around corners and objects so he’s becoming aware of how he needs to move his body.
I have noticed that walking will tire him out quickly but running won’t. He seems to have more stamina when he runs.
His walks still consist to about 70 metres down the street and back again every few days.
I’ve also noticed that he’s been much better at his strength exercises when he’s not concentrating on them.
For example I have a pillow in front of his food bowl that he stand on everyday. But because he’s focused on his food he’s not noticing so much that he needs to balance on this un even surface to steady himself. However when I put him on the couch yesterday, as soon as he had to stand he was showing signs of stress. It took him a while to stand and when he did he immediately lay back down.
When I put a treat in front of him suddenly that stress left and I’m pretty sure he would have ran up and down the couch 10 times for that treat.
The same goes for his sit and drop exercises.
If I ask him to ‘drop’ or ‘sit’ he concentrates too much on trying to do the exercise and then becomes quite frustrated. He’ll put his bum down slowly to sit but then take a few steps backwards with his back leg twisting a little. And he’ll do this again and again until he starts panting and barking.
As soon as I put a treat in front of his face and he has to do something to get it he will put himself into a sit without even realising it.
So now all his strength and balance exercises are based on him not realising he’s actually doing them 😛
And he’s improved greatly!
Mel x
6 Comments
March 8th, 2016 at 3:33 pm
LOVE!
Deb, Belle and Angel Zeus
March 8th, 2016 at 8:29 pm
Oh Mr. Rams! You have me grinning ear to ear as usual! I love your little “happy dance” as you get ready to overcome that “hurdle”! Proof positive that you can overcome any hurdle put before you…and smile and wag while we’re doing it! 🙂
You are soooo adorable and such a smart boy!
I love how, when focused on his treat, he does his “exercises”….soo cute! Very astute in your part for understanding how he likes to be motivated, Rambo style! 🙂
HAPPY ONE MONTH AMPUVERSARY MR. RAMS!!
Extra treats tonight…without having to do exercises to get them!!
Lots of hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
March 8th, 2016 at 10:52 pm
What great information! We’ve just begun this journey on three legs. Happy Anniversary you rock Mr. rams!
Hugs, Karl and mom Julie
March 20th, 2016 at 10:52 pm
SWEET! Go Rams!
Yes it does make a HUGE difference if a dog is in good shape before amputation. Kudos to you for making sure Rams always had an active life before, and will after.
I love that you’re doing these DIY exercises with him. Try placing the couch cushions on the floor and see what happens. Would love to see in photos and video. BRAVO!
March 20th, 2016 at 10:53 pm
Oh and about placing the pillow in front of his food bowl…YES!!! We do a similar thing for Wyatt, see:
http://gear.tripawds.com/2015/06/08/help-your-tripawd-get-strong-even-when-eating/
March 25th, 2016 at 1:59 am
Hi Lis,
I’ve just caught up with our little pirate and his progress. You are just amazing how you are constantly creating new challenges and finding helpful aids for Rams, just as you did for Miss Jay. I see a new career opening up for you…… Just don’t tell Dad !