RE: Fused Carpus

September 23, 2008

Have you checked this dog’s neck or

first rib? Remember the shoulder is innervated from caudal cervicals and

cranial thoracics. Can the scapula itself float easily? You can

spend all day using e-stim but if the nerves are blocked up higher, you

won’t get anywhere.

I would highly suggest having this dog see

a Chiro or PT/Osteopath.

Good luck.

Orenbuch

evelynvet@...

Cell

hm/off

Vice Pres - American

Assoc. of Rehab Veterinarians - www.rehabvets.org

From:

VetRehab [mailto:VetRehab ] On Behalf Of wildatheart3

Sent: Wednesday, September 17,

2008 3:47 PM

Subject: Fused Carpus

I have a 1 yr old Male chocolate Lab that fractured

his elbow and

humerus in February. HIs elbow is fused by plates. In march they had

to go back and fix the humerus fx and then put on a external fixator,

The dog since has never used the leg. His carpus is fused in flexsion

with a soft end feel while extending. I believe that his tendon and

muscles are fused due to bandaging and no movement and he has severe

muscle atrophy around his shoulder, The orthopdic surgeon suggested

that he amputate the leg, But the Owner does not want to do that. I

first saw the dog 3 weeks ago, what I came up with is E-stem on

shoulders for muscle atrophy, laser his back for pain, theraputic

ultrasound for tendons on his carpus, then I stretch the carpus for

about 10 min and swimming 3 x a week. At home I have them do PROM with

the shoulder and carpus, they have a tens unit at home which they use

on his shoulder, and I showed them how to massage and stretch the

carpus. 3 x a day. I also suggested the dyna-splint but he felt that

was too expensive. Does any one else have any suggestions?

Thank You,

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