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As Toby’s owners, you will be responsible for a majority of his physiotherapy during recovery from front limb amputation. Ideally two people should be present during physiotherapy – one to hold and distract the animal, and one to perform the physiotherapy manoeuvre. It is vital that the person holding the dog is aware of animal behavioural signs that a stressed or painful animal may show, for example wide eyes, lip licking, resisting, or growling, in order to recognise when a certain physiotherapy exercise may be too much for the patient and a rest is needed to prevent escalation. It an animal is showing repeated signs of pain during a particular exercise, the exercise intensity should be decreased (through decreased time or repetitions), and your veterinarian or physiotherapist should be contacted. Only the physiotherapy techniques listed below that have been shown to you should be attempted at home, per the written guidelines. Hydrotherapy and other advanced physiotherapy manoeuvres should only be done by a qualified professional, as incorrect technique may cause harm to the animal and yourself. Physiotherapy is considered a potentially hazardous manual task under safe work Australia, as it can feature repetitive movement or forces, and awkward postures, therefore it is imperative to be mindful of your own health and wellbeing during this process. During stretches and range of motion exercises it may be beneficial to have the dog in a laying position to allow you to sit comfortably while performing these manoeuvres, making sure not to hunch your back or strain your muscles. When walking your dog with a sling, you may be carrying up to 30% of their body weight as they learn to balance on three legs, which for Toby at 33kg is approximately a 10kg weight. It would be beneficial to walk Toby with two people, one to hold the sling and one to hold the lead, so that you can swap to prevent muscle fatigue. If Toby needs to be lifted up, for example into a vehicle, where possible entice him to get up himself via a ramp or use multiple people and mobility aids such as slings or blankets to distribute the weight load and minimise adverse forces. Thank you for listening.