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the dogs played a full part in helping the students to understand
the practical implications of rehabilitation and, as the
photos show, thoroughly enjoyed themselves into the bargain.
Greyfriars is very grateful to their owners who gave their
time to bring their dogs to the course in order to help
other dogs in the future.
Maverick, a Standard Daschund,
collapsed with spinal disc problems which required surgery.
To add to Maverick’s problems he suffers from epilepsy
and needs daily medication. Hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill
and physiotherapy have all helped get Maverick back on his
feet.
Golden Retriever, Ella, is
one of Greyfriars first clients. Ella had surgery to both
elbows, suffers from arthritic hips and recently had surgery
for a right cruciate ligament rupture. She visits Greyfriars
weekly for hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill and physiotherapy.
Miniature Wire Haired Daschund,
Gigi, was given very little chance of walking again following
spinal problems, made worse by obesity. She was admitted
to Greyfriars as an inpatient for intensive rehabilitation
and weight loss. Hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill, acupuncture
and physiotherapy were all used to get Gigi back on her
feet and walking again.
Patita is a Pharoah Hound
x Lurcher, who injured her leg out walking which led in
time to muscle atrophy, restrictive scar tissue formation
and non use of the leg. Hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill
and physiotherapy have helped get Patita back on all four
legs and she is relying on her medication less and less.
Yellow Labrador, Penny, has
hip dysplasia on her right side which was aggravated by
a cruciate ligament rupture. She attends regular hydrotherapy
sessions and definitely exhibits a “doggie”
sense of humour.
Toy Poodle, Topsy, trained
for agility where her lack of willingness to jump was shown
to be caused by disc degeneration. Her vet recommended conservative
care rather than surgery and Topsy attends regular sessions
of hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture.
Angela Griffiths’ own
pack of Rocky, Aisha and Buffy are well known to clients
who see them playing in the paddocks most days. They also
assist in the inpatient unit, putting new clients at ease
by relaxing them and increasing confidence.
Greyhound Aisha’s potential
racing career ended when she fractured a leg at nine months
old and ended up abandoned in Battersea Dogs Home. She made
a full recovery and was adopted by Angela but in January
2008 she decided to demonstrate her jumping abilities over
a fence and got caught up causing multiple injuries to her
left stifle. Once out of ‘hospital’ Aisha had
to be splinted for 8 weeks and then started on a course
of underwater treadmill, physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation
and is well on the way to a full recovery with no jumping
allowed in the future!
Buffy is the latest member
of Angela’s canine family. Originally a trainee assistance
dog she was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia which made
her struggle with tasks. Canine Partners decided it was
best to rehome Buffy and Angela adopted her in 2007. Buffy
has regular hydrotherapy and physiotherapy which have improved
her condition so much that it now looks unlikely that hip
replacements will be necessary.
Here are just a few comments
from the course participants which, we think, show that
this course was a huge success.
‘Had a fantastic
day. So glad I made the trip up to you. So worthwhile –
you have got me hooked! Nice to see you all, so caring and
enjoying your jobs. Keep up the good work’.
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