Stifle braces; Rear limb shaking

[Guest guest]

Hi group! Hoping I can get some input on a couple of things..

I started treating an 11 yr old Irish Wolfhound mix that had left TPLO

surgery one year ago. The dog did not have any rehab and the stifle is

very unstable. The dog also has bilateral rear limb shaking that

started 6 years ago, and it only occurs in standing. Radiographs of

the spine and hips only showed mild arthritis. The shaking has not

progressed over the years but the rear limb weakness has. The

referring vet has been performing chiropractic treatment and

acupuncture. None of the vets who have seen this dog can explain the

rear limb shaking.

I've treated the dog 3 times, addressing the spine as well as the rear

limbs, performing joint mobs, tractioning and tail pulls, and working

on stability exercises, weight shifts and gait training. The owner

stated her dog was doing better until he slipped outside on wet tile a

few days ago. The referring vet and I noticed that the shaking is

significantly less, but the rear limbs are significantly weaker and he

has had several falls when toileting. His reflexes are normal and he

has not displayed any signs of pain. The only thing new was his left

pectineus and adductors were in spasm since the fall.

My questions are:

1) Has anyone used the A-TracC dynamic brace from Woundwear, Inc, or

any other stifle brace for CCL instability. From reading the posts, I

know there is differing opinions/research studies regarding bracing,

but I really feel this dog needs a brace since he is so unsteady.

2) Has anyone seen a dog with rear limb shaking only while standing?

He does not have an ataxic gait. It started when he was 4 yrs old

I appreciate any input.

Kathie Touhey, PT, CCRT pending