Chocolate suffers a setback, July 2, 2008
Plans
for Chocolate to be released from WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital have
been put on hold for at least two weeks after he began showing some signs of
hesitation of using his front legs. The stray Chesapeake Retriever from the
Tri-Cities began limping and regressing in the use of his recently repaired
legs this last Monday. “It’s disappointing because of the progress he had
made,” said Dr. Steve Martinez, WSU veterinary orthopedic surgeon. “However,
after careful reexamination of Chocolate we’ve concluded that he appears to
be suffering from sore feet,” according to Dr. Martinez. Chocolate’s paw
pads are very soft and not callused like normal dogs due to the fact that he
had spent a very long time not using his front feet for walking. Added Dr.
Martinez, “The problem appears to be due to the fact that over the last
several weeks he has been using his front legs almost too well for the
current condition of his front paw pads.” “We feel it’s in his best interest
to begin a new series of therapies aimed at easing his pain, and helping
retrain him to again use his front legs fully again.”
Students notice that Chocolate began to shift his weight back to his hind
legs again, and was losing interest in even his most favorite activities
such as chasing his yellow ball two weeks ago. With his front feet now in
special booties he is already making great progress compared to last week.
WSU veterinary student Sara Dobry says these simple tools are working
tremendously, adding “he has really perked up again and is showing signs of
using his foot the proper way.”
Chocolate is receiving small amounts of pain reliever to help his in his
recovery. His current treatment includes stretching, exercise, and a return
to the underwater treadmill. “If he continues to improve, I don’t see why he
couldn’t be released before the end of July,” said Dr. Martinez.
Last Edited: Jul 30, 2008 12:43 PM
