Charlie

Charlie G - Physiotherapy 04/04/24 Charlie was seen for his regular physiotherapy session. He has deteriorated in his ability to correctly place and replace his hindlimbs with a knuckling test delay of more than 3 seconds (longer on the right). His muscle mass is 8 and 9 inches respectively in his hindlimbs. Gait: Wide base stance with hindlimbs and lack of medial thigh recruitment. Decreased proprioception, motor function in tact and reflexes in tact. Able to correct limbs on a turn both ways. Worse on slippery flooring. Exercises (HIIT) – Aim for 5 minutes twice a day (1 min work, 30 seconds rest) 1. Sit to stand- First, get Charlie into a good sit posture, this means all 4 feet are facing forwards with no legs splayed to the sides. Then lower your treat hand infront and down to encourage Charlie to stand slowly. As he stands, his back feet should stay still, moving of these back feet indicates a dis-engagement of the hindlimb muscles. 2. Weaving/Object maze – This can involve wither walking in a figure 8 motion to slowly change the direction of Charlies legs and make them cross under his body on the turn, this will engage his medial thigh muscles and prevent his legs splaying to the sides. If weaving cannot be done, set an obstacle course with brooms, cushions, cans etc so Charlie needs to make a path through the objects (using his brain to limb coordination). This will improve his proprioception horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162 Rocking – In a stand position (all 4 feet stable and correct), place your hands by charlies hips and gentle rock him onto his back legs and off the front legs. You should feel some resistance in the back legs, his feet should not move – this is a slow gentle movement. If Charlie sinks his back legs down or needs more input, move your fingers quickly over his back legs to “wake them up” this will increase the tone again and he should straighten up. horsestohoundsphysio@gmail.com www.horsestohoundsphysio.co.uk 07729002162