This week Otis had his third appointment with the physical therapist. Great news is that he's improving greatly! Thigh muscles grew from 14 1/2 to 15 1/2 on one side and from 15 1/2 to 16 on the other. Range of motion is 140 degrees on both sides. His "roaching" in his back is gone (apparently that's when the back is curved because the back legs are too far under the body--think cat pose in yoga). She thinks that he's doing so much better...and that makes momma happy. :-)
We are to continue his medication for the next two months and continue his massages and stretching. Apparently he still has tightness in his sartorius muscle (runs down the front of the thigh) and he needs to build up his hamstrings. He also needs to improve his range of motion (our goal is 155 degrees, I think). So, continue the exercises from the first post, and try to get him walking backwards up hills more. That will stretch his back legs the way they need to stretch so he can walk up steps and jump in the jeep. We're going to continue to be vigilant. Man, if by the first snow he can be "normal"? Mom will be thrilled! Hiking the trails around here in the snow is unparalleled...and we want him with us like last year. Last year, the first snow was the day we brought him home to us. Love.
On a side note, Otis lifted his leg and peed yesterday on our walk. He's never done that before! Since it requires balancing on one leg, his surgeries haven't allowed him the confidence to lift his leg before. Guess something clicked and he went for it. Hasn't done it since, but I wonder if it'll end up as his new "thing" before long. Interesting. He's also jumping OUT of the jeep now, for the first time, by himself. Little improvements. Momma's pleased.
We went to Cape Cod a couple of weeks ago and brought him with us to trounce around in the surf. He's a beach bum of a dog, let me tell you!! And if you ever need a dog sitter in the area, try Tina at A Happy Pet. She's UNBELIEVABLE. Even with Otis's special needs. I wrote a recommendation for her. You can check it out here: http://ahappypet.web.officelive.com/references.aspx
