Macke Institute of Canine Therapy

12/04/2025

🐾 Exercise Spotlight: Backward Walking! 🐾
Did you know walking backward is one of the best ways to strengthen your dog’s hind end? 🚶‍⬅️🐶
✨ Benefits of Backward Walking:
✅ Engages the pelvic stabilizers, glutes, and hamstrings 💪
✅ Builds hind limb strength and power
✅ Improves stability and balance 🦴
✅ Enhances body awareness (proprioception) and coordination
✅ Supports joint control and mobility in the hips, knees, and hocks
✅ Excellent for rehab, injury prevention, and even senior dogs needing to stay strong
💡How to do it:
Find a flat, non-slip surface and slowly guide your dog to take a few steps backward — you can use a treat near their nose to help them step back. Start with a few steps at a time and build up gradually as their confidence grows!
This simple exercise gives a big payoff — helping your pup stay strong, steady, and mobile from the hips down! ❤️🐾

12/01/2025

✨ Meet Acadia! ✨
Acadia is a sweet 5 year old mixed breed referred by Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center who underwent medial shoulder reconstruction in August.
Back in early July 2025, Acadia jumped off the couch and injured her leg 😣
Her family had just removed the rug in that spot — so they think she slipped and lost traction. She began limping right after the incident.
Acadia isn’t new to PT — she was previously here for a left glenoid fracture back in 2022. And now she’s back to rehab to help her:
✨ decrease pain
✨ improve shoulder mobility
✨ rebuild strength safely
✨ improve her overall QOL
She works SO hard in her sessions, and we are excited to help her return to safe, confident movement again 🐾💛

12/01/2025

✨ Meet Angel! ✨
Angel is a sweet 3 year old Bichon Frise referred by Rockbrook Animal Clinic for Hip Dysplasia + IVDD.
Back in June, her family noticed she was starting to have more trouble getting around — and eventually she even began dragging her back legs 😢💔
Angel is now coming to Physical Therapy to work on:
💪 strengthening her hind limbs
🧠 improving her body awareness + coordination
🫀 building stability + support to protect her joints and spine
🐾 maximizing safe mobility for her daily life
Helping her move as comfortably and confidently as possible ✅
She’s already showing such a sweet attitude and she works SO hard each session 🥹🤍
We are so proud of you Angel — keep going girl!! 🌈✨

11/26/2025

🌟 Meet Wendy! 🌟
Wendy is a 5-year-old mixed breed who was referred to PT by Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center following surgery on both of her hind limbs. 🐾
💫 Wendy first underwent a Left MPL Correction and DFO on 3/7/23 with SVOC. Her Right hind limb was initially managed conservatively, but when her symptoms persisted, she later underwent a Right MPL Correction (Trochleoplasty and Lateral Imbrication) and DFO on 8/25/25.
Since her symptoms began, Wendy’s family has noticed she still isn’t using her leg as much as they’d like. They’re hoping that with the help of physical therapy, Wendy can regain her strength and confidence so she can get back to doing all the things she loves — walking, running, jumping on the couch, and tackling stairs like a pro! 🐕💪❤️
We’re so excited to help Wendy on her road to recovery! 🐾✨

11/24/2025

Meet Lavish! 🐾💜
Lavish is a 2-year-old Border Collie referred to physical therapy by Five Elements Veterinary Alternatives for left rear leg issues.
Back in May, her family noticed she was lifting her left hind leg when going down the stairs 🚶‍♀️⬇️. After an evaluation with her primary vet, Lavish was referred to Five Elements for further assessment and adjustments. During her visit, it was noted that her left stifle felt good but had mild clicking in the patella, both patellas were loose (though not luxating), and there was tightness in several muscle groups — including her left psoas, pelvis, gluteals, and hip flexors 💪. She also showed some curvature and tightness through her spine and neck 🦴.
Lavish is now coming to PT to help balance her muscles, strengthen her hind limbs, and prevent future injury — all so she can stay active and keep doing what she loves most! 🐕✨

11/24/2025

💙 Meet Zuke! 💙
Zuke is a 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who was referred by Prairie Lane Veterinary Hospital for IVDD and arthritis. Over the past few months, his family noticed a decline in his mobility and occasional episodes where his back legs would “collapse.”
After an evaluation with his primary vet, Zuke was found to have delayed proprioception in his pelvic limbs, with the left being more affected than the right. Physical therapy was recommended to help him regain strength and stability.
Zuke’s rehab goals are to improve his mobility, reduce pain, and enhance his quality of life — and he’s already making great strides toward getting back on his paws! Join us in cheering on Zuke with his PT recomervy!🐾💪

11/24/2025

🐾 Meet Ellie Mae! 🐾
Ellie Mae is an 8-year-old Beagle with a history of arthritis and left hind limb pain who started limping back in January. After an evaluation with her primary vet in March, X-rays revealed mild osteophyte formation (early arthritic changes) at the acetabular rims and stifle joints bilaterally.
When Ellie Mae came to physical therapy, her evaluation showed Barden’s positive bilaterally with pain and spasm, which could be indicative of hip dysplasia. In addition, her left cranial drawer (CD) and cranial tibial thrust (CTT) tests were positive in flexion, and she exhibited pain with CD and CTT in extension, suggesting a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury.
The PT team collaborated with her veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and determine next steps. After discussion, her family chose a conservative, non-surgical approach focusing on pain management, strength building, and improved mobility through rehab. 💪🐶
Ellie Mae’s goal is to eliminate her pain and get back to using her left leg comfortably so she can enjoy her favorite activities again! 💛

11/18/2025

Free Santa Pics at on 12/6!

🎅Bonafide Dog Academy – 2025 Santa Pictures! 🎅

Bring your pup and get into the holiday spirit! 🎄✨
Join us on December 6th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for FREE Santa photos with your dog! 📸🐶

📍 Bonafide Dog Academy
960 S 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68114

We can’t wait to see all the festive pups! ❤️🐾

11/12/2025

Meet Roland! 🐾
Roland is a 4.5-year-old Collie referred by Bellevue Animal Hospital for right front limb muscular discomfort. Earlier this year, his family noticed he was running slower and starting to limp after agility competitions. Despite rest and massage, Roland continued to show signs of discomfort, and his vet found pain in his right shoulder.
Roland came to physical therapy with the goal of reducing pain and getting back to doing what he loves most — agility! Help us cheer on Roland during his PT journey!💪🐕

11/12/2025

🐾 Meet Tigger 🐾
Tigger is a 6-year-old German Shepherd who was referred to PT by Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center. She first started limping back in August, and at first her care team suspected a hip injury. After a full evaluation with her vet and Sirius, it was discovered that Tigger actually had bilateral CCL tears (left greater than right).
On 4/23/25, Tigger underwent a TPLO surgery on her left knee. She has now started physical therapy with the goal of rebuilding her strength and getting back to what she loves most— going on long walks with her family! 💙🐶

11/06/2025

🐾 Exercise Spotlight: Front Leg Lifts! 🐾
Did you know this simple move can make a big difference in your dog’s strength and stability? 💪🐶
✨ Benefits of Front Leg Lifts:
✅ Improves shoulder and core strength
✅ Helps build body awareness (proprioception) — your pup learns how to better control their movements
✅ Encourages balance and coordination 🦴
✅ Strengthens postural muscles, supporting healthy joints and mobility
✅ Great for rehab and injury prevention alike!
💡How it works: While your dog stands squarely on all four paws, gently lift one front leg off the ground for a few seconds, then lower it back down. Alternate legs and repeat! (Always make sure your pup is comfortable and stable — and consult your rehab or vet team for proper guidance if your dog is recovering from an injury.)
👏 This focused exercise may look simple, but it helps your dog build strength where it counts — setting them up for smoother walks, better posture, and improved confidence! ❤️🐕

11/03/2025

🌟 Meet Maeley! 🌟
Maeley is a 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois who started experiencing mobility issues about a year ago that gradually worsened over time. Despite pain management, her limping continued to progress, so her family sought further evaluation.

In January 2025, Maeley’s primary vet performed an exam and radiographs, diagnosing a left CCL tear and recommending a consultation with Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center (SVOC). After her consult in April, the diagnosis was confirmed, and surgical repair was recommended. Maeley underwent a left TPLO on June 2, 2025, and began physical therapy in July!

Her rehab journey focuses on regaining strength, improving mobility, and preventing future injuries so she can get back to doing what she loves most—staying active and on the move! 💪🐾