therapy for sheltie with sciatic loss LR, Femoral loss RR

[Guest guest]

I am working with a 2 year old sheltie who was HBC 8 mo ago.  Initially he had coxofemoral luxation LR and HUGE hematoma.  Hip was reduced and hematoma drained.  Dog was initially non-ambulatory and when it became ambulatory it became apparent that the LR had sciatic dysfunction (Leg held permanently in extension) and the RR had femoral nerve dysfunction (when touched or attempt to place the leg on the floor it was withdrawn back to body wall in full flexion and dog would not bear weight.) 

" Shadow " had 2 months at a rehab facility in Appleton, Wisconsin.  He has some forced flexion to LR but the leg is maintained in extension.  He ambulates well in a cart and pushes off with the RR.  If the LR is taken away, then he can now maintain his weight on the RR, but if the LR is allowed to touch the floor, then the RR is withdrawn.  When out of the cart he can use the RR to push himself along but he does not seem able to rise using it.

I have been doing acupuncture for the past 2-3 months in attempt to encourage functional recovery of whatever nerve function can return.  I was wondering about the " cross " reflexes in the rear legs.  I am thinking that the LR needs to be amputated and wondering if the RR would improve more if the amputation was performed.  It would not be possible to put a sling on the LR because there is not enough flexion available to get it up high enough to avoid it touching the floor.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Gail Hoholik

Veterinary Clinic