202 Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Technique: The patient is positioned into a
square sit with carpi directly under the shoul
ders, not allowing the feet to slide forward or
to collapse into carpal flexion. The patient is
encouraged to hold this posture for as long as
possible (Figure 8.26A,B).
Progression: Add rhythmic stabilization.
Standing
Purpose: Re‐educate normal posture.
Goal: Stand in square position, supporting
full weight independently.
Technique: With the patient in a square
stand, muscle groups that appear weak are
stimulated. For instance, if the patient has lor
dosis, the abdomen is goosed; if leaning, the
side is tickled; if collapsing a joint, the extensors
are stimulated.
Progression: Add rhythmic stabilization.
Transitions
Purpose: Re‐education of movements from lat
eral recumbency to a standing position.
Goal: Independent and appropriate
transitions.
Technique: Once the patient can hold a pos
ture, the transition movement into this posture
is trained. Lateral to sphinx: With the patient in
lateral recumbency, a cookie is moved toward
the shoulder to encourage lifting the head. The
toes of the down thoracic limb are pinched to
encourage shoulder and elbow flexion. The
toes of both pelvic limbs are then pinched to
create flexion in both pelvic limbs, while tick
ling the chest and body wall on the down side
to encourage lifting away from the floor.
Progression: For the patient that can hold the
sphinx position, transition from sphinx to tall
sit. While an assistant kneels behind the patient
to prevent slipping back or falling to one side,
the therapist holds a cookie to the patient’s
nose, lifting it over the nose while pinching the
front toes to encourage stepping backward
until a proper sitting position is attained. The
carpal joints may need to be supported once
this position is reached.
Progression to stand: With the patient in a tall
sit, the therapist moves a cookie forward from(A) (B)Figure 8.26 (A) An unbalanced sit puts abnormal stresses on the joints of the pelvic limbs as well as the pelvis and spine.
(B) A square sit is maintained by having the hips, stifles, and tarsi in a straight line with the shoulders over the carpal joints.
The spine should be straight as well. The tall sit can be made more challenging by adding perturbations. Source: Photos by
Whitney Rupp.