By conducting a thorough analysis using the above parameters, hydrotherapists and veterinarians can gain valuable insights into the dog’s gait mechanics, identify any gait abnormalities, and design appropriate rehabilitation or treatment plans to improve the dog’s mobility and overall well-being.
Stage 1 – Initial Stage of Recovery
In this stage, the dog shows no pelvic limb movement, and there is no deep pain sensation in the limbs. However, voluntary tail movement is present, indicating some minimal nerve function. The recovery scale ranges from 0 to 2, with 0 being no pelvic limb movement and no deep pain sensation, and 2 indicating no pelvic limb movement but voluntary tail movement.
Stage 2 – Early Progress
During this stage, there is minimal non-weight-bearing protraction of the pelvic limb, accounting for less than 10% of the time. The dog may show some limb movement, but it lacks the strength to bear weight on the limbs. The recovery scale extends from 3 to 5, with 3 representing minimal non-weight-bearing protraction, 4 indicating non-weight-bearing protraction with less than one joint involved 50% of the time, and 5 showing non-weight-bearing protraction with more than one joint involved 50% of the time.
Stage 3 – Regaining Weight-Bearing Ability
In this stage, the dog starts to regain some weight-bearing ability in the pelvic limb. The recovery scale ranges from 6 to 8, with 6 representing weight-bearing protraction of the pelvic limb less than 10% of the time, 7 indicating weight-bearing protraction between 10% and 50% of the time, and 8 showing weight-bearing protraction more than 50% of the time.
Stage 4 – Improved Weight-Bearing with Reduced Strength
During this stage, the dog can bear weight on the pelvic limb 100% of the time, but there may be reduced strength and coordination. The recovery scale extends from 9 to 11, with 9 representing weight-bearing protraction with reduced strength and making mistakes more than 90% of the time, 10 indicating reduced strength with mistakes occurring between 50% and 90% of the time, and 11 showing reduced strength with mistakes less than 50% of the time.
Stage 5 – Near-Normal Gait with Some Ataxia
In the final stage of recovery, the dog shows an ataxic pelvic limb gait, but with improved strength and coordination. The recovery scale ranges from 12 to 14, with 12 indicating an ataxic gait with normal strength and mistakes occurring more than 50% of the time, 13 representing an ataxic gait with normal strength and mistakes happening less than 50% of the time, and 14 indicating a near-normal pelvic limb gait with full strength and coordination.
It’s important to note that the progression through these stages of recovery can vary among individual dogs with spinal cord injuries. Rehabilitation efforts, including physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and appropriate medical interventions, play a crucial role in aiding the dog’s recovery and improving its quality of life. Regular assessments and adjustments to the treatment plan are essential to ensure the best possible outcome for the dog’s rehabilitation journey.