For a more in-depth focus on the medical issues affecting Moose, skip to the end of this blog. Or, click here.
We love dogs, and we love good news. So, meet Moose, a four-year-old grey male whippet.
The Crossways team met him and his owner earlier this year when he came to our centre for treatment. Isn’t he a handsome fellow?
Moose’s Condition
As family members, dogs are as complex as their owners. Or, they can be.
Diagnosed with polyradiculoneuritis, a rare but debilitating and distressing autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system, Moose presented with extremely weak hind legs – a typical result of this condition and relevant to hunting dogs.
His owners noticed his reluctance to sit, which he would do partly and then jump up again.
As an active young dog and a vigorous whippet, his physical condition had started to affect him mentally, too: He appeared depressed, as a human would, and spent most of his time sitting in his bed, inactive. Obviously, whippets are meant to move, so this would have been a worrying, upsetting time.
Previous Diagnoses and Treatments
Moose’s energetic approach to life had got him into a few minor scrapes: although MRI scans revealed, thankfully, there were no problems in his lumbrosacral discs, tests showed that he’d bilaterally ruptured his Achilles tendon. This condition would require bilateral hock arthrodesis – fusion surgery.
Specialists had suggested therapeutic trials, acupuncture and even Amantadine, generally used to treat Parkinson’s in humans.
Getting Moose Better
Moose’s anxious owner considered the possibility that there may have been a neurological condition such as ataxia or paresis. Luckily, through many in-depth tests, these were ruled out.
Moose was reviewed by both his GP vet, Priory, and the animal specialists at Fitzpatrick Referrals, with recommendations for physiotherapy and hydrotherapy courses. This treatment came with strict instructions to limit Moose’s walks to 15 minutes to avoid undoing all our hard work!
Crossways’ Treatment for Moose
Crossways’ underwater treadmill offers highly controlled speeds, allowing us to adapt and customise all our animal therapies precisely to our patients’ needs.
As it turned out, this therapy was just the ticket.
With regular turmeric tuna treats to keep Moose happy and calm, the team massaged his hips and performed careful checks after each session. Likewise, the physio had recommended his owner undertake treatments at home, so the team were keen to hear how these were going.
Our care reflected Fitzpatrick’s specification for a Level 3-trained hydrotherapist, with added physiotherapy to see faster results.
In our opinion, Moose’s well-deserved, all-around love and care was precisely what he needed: different types of therapy in distinctive environments.
How is Moose Now?
Although his recovery hasn’t necessarily been linear (he had good and not-so-good days), the improvement in Moose’s physical, and by association mental health has been remarkable. His treatment may continue, but it’s a joy to see his exceptional progress. As you can imagine, his owner is delighted; her beloved Moose is back to his old self. Or, his young self, we should say.
Currently, he’s still on steroids, pain relief and autoimmune medication, but we’re keeping an eye on him with a view to reducing and eliminating his steroid medication when we can. Importantly, everyone involved in his care will be making any necessary adjustments as time goes on.
As a business dedicated to ongoing learning and development, it’s inspiring to know that specific treatments can complement one another powerfully. In this case, hydrotherapy with physiotherapy.
Here’s to Moose. Let’s hope his recovery continues.
(Medical) Facts and Figures. More about the issues affecting Moose:
Polyradiculoneuritis:
Moose’s diagnosis. This is an immune-mediated (abnormal immune system response) inflammatory disease, affecting an animal’s nerve roots. This can cause progressive weakness and even paralysis, particularly in the legs.
Moose’s Treatment:
Moose was treated with iVig, using a plasma product from the blood to give a temporary immune suppressive effect. We were pleased that he responded well. Unfortunately, two months later Moose experienced a traumatic rupture of both his Achilles tendons.
Bilateral Hock Arthordesis:
The fusion surgery performed on Moose after he ruptured his Achilles tendons.
Referral to Hydrotherapy:
The aim was that Moose would respond to hydrotherapy to treat both the polyradiculoneuritis and the issues with his Achilles tendons. Additionally, he had gained weight due to steroid use and pain medication – and, not being able to move well, making him depressed.
Starting to Recover: Hydrotherapy
- Hands-on treatment to help Moose regain his normal gait
- Fully controlled environment enabling careful control of weight bearing and speed
- Depth and buoyancy of the water support the joints, allowing for a gentle increase in the range of motion
- Water resistance aids with building muscle
- Further to liaison with his physio, the team carefully increased the treadmill’s incline to help continue his recovery; he also received gentle message during his rest periods
Current Situation:
As stated, Moose still receives medication but thanks to hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and the valuable support of his vet, he has significantly increased muscle bulk and exercise tolerance. In addition, there have been improvements in his gait.
Moose was discharged from hydrotherapy four months after starting treatment.