Clean Run - February 2020 - 32

Table 6 shows the change in the subject's measurements. His hind limb muscle mass increased by 3 centimeters on both legs. We
were unable to create symmetry with both legs and will work toward that in future sessions.

table 6: Subject's measurements in centimeters
Measurement

1/19/19

4/24/19

Left hind limb thigh

Right hind limb thigh

Left forelimb upper arm

Right forelimb upper arm

Girth

Flank

Neck

discussion
This case study is important for other
canines with hip dysplasia to show the
impact that a structured exercise plan
can have. When the subject first started
the exercise program, the main goal
was to increase hind limb strength.
During the initial weeks, the subject
had a hard time doing a sit or down
on balance equipment and was unable
to stand on the Giant K9FITbone for
any duration without the bone rocking from side to side. As he became
stronger, he was able to balance himself
on the bone for longer periods of time
without much rocking. He was able to
sit on the bone for a longer duration as
well. The downs were more difficult, but
by the end of the study, he was able to
down on the bone for 5 seconds.
This shows that his balance, front, core,
and hind limb strength increased as we
added balance and duration challenges
throughout the study. There was also
a positive change in his overall temperament. He is happier and bouncier.
He is excited to go downstairs to his
workout area. I have seen a huge improvement in his overall well-being over
the three months and look forward to
continuing to work with this dog.
New goals are to create symmetry in
his hind limb muscles and progress to
more difficult exercises. We will continue to work toward being able to

down with the ramp under the Giant
K9FITbone and add more circles on the
bench. We will add more advanced exercises as he continues to gain strength
and balance.
The owner was very pleased with our
progress and requested to continue
with the exercise program as they
geared up for the 2019 NADAC Championships. The owner stated she could
see a big difference in Reason. He is
happier and more energetic. He is getting up from a down more easily; he is
jumping up on the couch and on people
(which never did before); he is going up
the stairs better. She can see a difference in his ability to do warm-ups for
agility as he is doing circles more tightly
and side-passing more easily, and his
times in agility have decreased, so he is
going faster as he gains more strength,
flexibility, and balance.
Summary
The purpose of this case study was
to see if a structured exercise program can increase hind limb strength
in a canine with bilateral hip dysplasia.
According to my study, the exercise
program was a success by increasing
muscle strength, balance, and flexibility
in the subject. Thus, dogs with bilateral
hip dysplasia may benefit physically and
psychologically from being involved in a
structured exercise program developed
by a professional.

appendix: exercise descriptions
Stand on giant k9FItbone

Video: https://youtu.be/ulURfEwsVok
Setup: Giant K9FITbone with ramp
under one end to shift weight to hind
limbs
goal: Stand on bone without moving feet, maintaining good form for
increased length of time with the bone
rocking less and less
Form: Natural headset, legs are set a
natural distance apart, front legs under
shoulders, flat back, back legs under
hips, standing on feet not hocks, elbows
and knees close to the body
reps: Have dog stand for 10-30 seconds (adding more time as dog gains
strength), release him to get off, and
then rest. Repeat 2-3 times.
Progression: Add duration and sets
Signs of fatigue: Bone rocking a lot, getting off bone, leg falling off bone, sitting
Clean Run | February 20

https://youtu.be/ulURfEwsVok

Clean Run - February 2020

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