by: Tyler Johnson, CCRP, SAMP
Canela was referred to the CTVSEH rehab department in August of 2018 for a weight loss consultation. She was 10 years old at the time. The owner reported that Canela had been placed on Prednisolone for liver disease and it had caused an almost 30# weight gain. The owner also reported that Canela had gone from an energetic dog who loved walks and long hikes to a sluggish dog who was lagging behind on walks and struggling to be active. We set up a twice a week in house rehab schedule that included underwater treadmill workouts and walking up and down a short set of stairs.
When she began in house rehab, she was 85#. We continued to monitor her weight each week and recorded a steady decrease in weight each month. The owner chose to continue with twice a week visits until March of 2020 for continued weight loss. In March 2020 rehab services were temporarily stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Canela returned to rehab in May 2020 when services resumed and had maintained her previous weight of 77#. Canela continued weekly visits through the summer of 2020 and continued to lose weight. In July Canela was diagnosed with bilateral hip osteoarthritis as well as osteoarthritis in the right carpus. We strongly believe that had she not lost the weight; her osteoarthritis would not be as well managed as it is today. As of November 2020, her weight is 69.8#. Her owner reports that since losing the weight, Canela is back to her happy, active self. She plans on continuing maintenance rehab visits long term to not only maintain a healthy weight but to also help manage her osteoarthritis.
2018
2020
