Case Study 5 - Flynn

Flynn first came to Lily Moffatt Veterinary Physiotherapy 6th July 2023. Following this, he has progressed really well with his physiotherapy journey. There have been ups and downs, however through using a multi-modal approach management Flynn is doing really well at 13.5 years young. His team to thank includes (but not all) acupuncture from Carole Parsons, 2nd opinion from Newgrange Vets, Hydrotherapy from Carnfield Hall, bespoke feeding and different supplements - and of course commitment from his owner Anne to persevere with the exercises. Hear from Anne herself below…

“Flynn is a 13 year old Labrador, has always been very mischievous and seemingly in good shape. Whilst he has always suffered with ear infections, it wasn’t until we saw a specialist who was going to perform a TECA on him who thought he may have hip dysplasia due to how he was sitting (he had always sat with his back legs splayed). We requested an x-ray whilst he was under anaesthetic to see what was going on. Report stated:  ‘good coxofemoral congruence, but some early degenerative changes bilaterally. There was also some spondylosis of the lumbosacral junction, which could be contributing to the mild pelvic limb lameness’.  Flynn at this stage showed to us no adverse affects, still walking, running around as usual. Suddenly one evening  he tentatively jumped onto the sofa and suddenly started screaming and yelling, even putting a hand near him he yelped. Emergency vet, and vet visit the following day after giving him some Loxicom he was much better, Vet gave him a Librela injection & some Gabapentin and we were then stabilised.  

Fast forward a few weeks, I had previously seen an advert for Lily offering canine physiotherapy in the home environment which was ideal for us, I thought this was worth a session to try and see if it helped Flynn, I really wasn’t happy starting the medication route as at this point not really sure what we were dealing with, the vet had said arthritis and neuropathy based on previous findings.

We had our first session with Lily who was really good with Flynn, identified several areas that required attention, did some massage and laser treatment which really seemed to help. Exercises were given to us to carry out before her next visit which were a challenge and advised to give shorter walks more often….. another challenge as Flynn loves his walks.  We have seen Lily on a weekly basis for the last 4-5 months and have seen a remarkable improvement, Flynn is still enjoying his walks, managing 25 - 30 minutes, no medication other than paracetamol.

Flynn also has an undiagnosed cough/gagging which has started to get worse, the vet wanted to repeat x -rays and check for Larangeal Paralysis which they suspected. After this procedure on bringing him home, he wasn’t coming around from the anaesthetic as well as he had previously, crying in pain, not wanting to move. Got back into the vet the following morning who gave him a Librela injection & Gabapentin, we just thought he was stiff from the x- ray. Really worried at this stage as he was struggling and not himself just sleeping,  couldn’t stand up properly, his back legs just didn’t support him, we were having to hold him up with a towel to eat and get out into the garden to toilet. Lily happened to ring to arrange an appointment and said she would come and see if there was anything she could do to help, bless her she worked her magic and after a few weeks he was pretty much back to himself, medication out of his system.

Although looking a much older dog at 13.5 he is back to mischief, playing and enjoying his walks, only on Paracetamol. I truly believe physiotherapy, laser treatments and exercises (Flynn not a fan!) has made all the difference and helped him continue to have a quality life and manage the progression of what we know is a degenerative condition”.

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Case Study 4 - Barni