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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Need advice on exercise
| With months of high dose drugs, Ren has lost so much muscle mass. She has gone from an active little dog to a dog that basically need to be carried everywhere. She has a difficult time going up stairs and cannot run anymore. Here's my question, should I try to get her to exercise more? I am worried that if we continue to "help" her get around that her muscles will atrophy and she will become almost immobile. I take her out several times daily to take care of business. She does what she has to do and then looks up at me to be picked up and carried back in. Sometimes I encourage her to walk back to the house but she will only walk about 15-20 feet and that’s it! Ren has gained some weight (from Pred). I'm sure that adds to the difficulty in getting around. She is not obese only slightly overweight. I would appreciate any insight. Sue & Ren |
| Susie Delaware |
| Hi Susie, We tried to keep Tiggs as active as possible, as long as he wasn't in the 'crisis' phase. We would do short walks ever night, then slowly increase the distance. I would always have to lift him into bed or the back of the car while his legs were at their weakest. But, I personally think keeping them active to their comfort level is important, just like with people. Studies have shown in people with cancer and other chronic disease, people do better if they remain as active as they can. The good news is that it does come back. Now that Tiggs' is off meds, his legs are almost normal, and I don't need to lift him any more (which is good, he's a big boy :) Occasionally, I notice they shake a little if we over do it, but overall, I think keeping him moving was good then, and now. Good luck with little Ren! Does she like swimming at all? That's a good low impact activity, but Tiggs hates water! melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| Susie, I know how you feel about an energetic, active dog becoming a couch potato. It happened many times, that Kahlu would only make it down the driveway. Sometimes I drove him to his favorite trails and he would not get out of the car, would not even lift his head. It was heart breaking. I tried to keep a happy face and positive voice and I always tried to push him to his limits a bit. Has Ren's thyroid been checked? It could be that she is hypothyroid, that could be a reason for her being tired and low energy. Kahlu's muscles are still pretty atrophied, but he has no problem keeping up on a 1 hour walk. He likes his walks better if there is an other dog along. I just have to be careful to take a dog that is not rambunctious. Best wishes from Brigitte & Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| I have not had a thyroid test done on Ren. I wiil discuss that with the Vet on the next visit. Swimming is such good exercise but Ren trembles at the sight of water...lol. I took her for a walk tonight and would not pick her up. We went about 100 feet. That was pretty good for her but she was exhausted, poor soul. I do not want to over do it. |
| Susie Delaware |
| Maybe you could take her for very short walk once or twice a day and gradually go a few steps further each day. I do think exercise is good for our dogs as long as they are up to it. I take treats with me and when we get to a certain spot I let her sit down and rest for a bit and have a treat or two and sometimes I think she just goes for the treats, believe me she knows just where we stop everyday to get the treat and won't walk past it. It will take time for the muscles to build back up and I do think it will be something you have to work at a little bit everyday one paw at a time. Ginger does not do well in the heat so if it is over 75 degrees she has to say home and she hates it. Sometimes I take her to the air conditioned pet store and let her walk around there if it gets too hot, maybe Ren would like that. Keep us posted on how Ren is doing. Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA |
| Susie, I would seriously look at hypothyroidism. Dr. Dodds suggested treating Kahlu with out even testing him. When we desided to test anyway, he was quite low. Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Susie: We made the mistake of not exercising Sheba enough and so her back legs got really weak over the winter. (We went from walking 3/4 of a mile daily to walking very little.) We have been better this spring/summer and we can tell the difference. Her legs are stronger and we're back to walking about a 1/2 mile daily (usually). If she's been confined for a time (long car trip or trip to the groomers) or it's really hot and humid or raining we might let her slack off for a day or two. The regular routine of walking has also improved her mood and peppiness I think - she seems more alert and less restless. Every dog is different and you do need to make sure they don't tire themselves out but you also need to make sure they are getting adequate exercise. It's definitely a balancing act and there are no easy answers. Good luck and we hope Ren is back to running again soon. Rita, Mike and Sheba |
| Rita IA |
This thread was discussed between 24/06/2009 and 26/06/2009
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