New challenges for Chocolate: posted April 18
WSU Team considers additional surgery options
As Chocolate continues his rehabilitation at WSU’s College of Veterinary
Medicine, his strength is gradually returning to his front legs. Therapists
see him becoming more comfortable moving his weight in to a more normal
position. However, he is not able to use his left paw as well as his right
due to the abnormal fracture healing of his left forelimb. (story continues
below video)
Chasing his yellow ball. Chocolate’s favorite exercise
Right click on the video for player options.
WSU’s veterinary orthopedic specialist Dr. Steve Martinez is concerned
that even after extensive physical therapy and the application of
orthotics, the leg is still slightly rotated enough to cause Chocolate some
mobility problems. “We are now looking at performing a corrective surgery
on his left foreleg in the next 2 weeks that will help place Chocolate’s
left paw down on the ground better and similar to what we’ve achieved with
his right paw, “said Dr. Martinez. “He definitely needs more surgical and
physical therapy help from us, in order to help return better function to
that leg.”
For now, Chocolate continues his daily routine. 10 to 20-minutes in WSU’s
underwater treadmill, along with other muscle building activities that can
be as simple as a game of fetch. So far, his progress looks good.
Last Edited: Jul 30, 2008 12:43 PM
