Sasha’s Story: Finding Her Feet Again

Shared with the consent of Sasha’s owner

Sasha, a senior German Shepherd, came to me in December 2024. Six months earlier, she had suffered a tibial fracture. Unfortunately, complications following surgery left her with nerve damage in the affected limb and a complete loss of range of motion in her stifle (knee).

Over time, her body began to compensate in unhealthy ways. She developed scoliosis, multiple arthritic areas, and a severely altered posture. Walking was a struggle — she dragged her leg with each step. I knew from the start that her knee joint would never regain its range. That damage was permanent. And, at 13 years old, I wasn’t sure how much function we could recover in the limb.

But I also knew that we had to try.

With regular, intensive veterinary physiotherapy, Sasha began to respond. Within just two sessions, we managed to straighten her spine — a result of both manual therapy and targeted exercises aimed at retraining her brain to reconnect with her body.

As her treatment progressed, Sasha began to show early signs of sensory awareness in the previously unresponsive limb — a hopeful indication that some nerve function was returning. Gradually, she began to stand with weight on the affected leg. A few sessions later, Sasha was walking again. Not just dragging the limb — she was actively placing it!

Although her knee could no longer bend normally, she found a way to adapt. By circumducting the limb, she was able to move with purpose and intent. Her awareness had returned. Her posture had improved. And she was walking again.

Sasha enjoyed six wonderful months of improved mobility, comfort, and confidence before passing away due to age-related causes — a special chapter that we were honoured to be part of.

Here is what Sasha’s owners have to say:

“We cannot thank Jessica Forster from FlexiVet Physiotherapy enough for the incredible care and dedication she has shown to our beloved German Shepherd, Sasha. After our dog’s unfortunate accident and resulting nerve damage, we were devastated and unsure of how to help her regain her mobility. But since starting treatment with Jessica in December 2024, the progress has been nothing short of miraculous.

Jessica’s expertise, patience, and genuine love for animals have been evident every step of the way. Thanks to her personalized therapy plans and hands-on care, our dog is not only relearning to walk but is also visibly happier and more confident in herself. Seeing her so happy and enjoying her walks again has brought so much joy to our family.

Jessica’s dedication and skill have truly given our dog a new lease on life. We highly recommend FlexiVet Physiotherapy to anyone in need of a compassionate, knowledgeable, and results-driven professional. Thank you, Jessica, for making such a remarkable difference!”

Irina, George