Chocolate Update March 20, 2008
Chocolate,
the loveable Chesapeake Bay retriever, sent to the WSU Veterinary Teaching
Hospital a month ago to treat multiple, old fractures of his forelegs,
continues to progress well in his rehabilitation. He is swim/walking in the
underwater treadmill each day and has gotten to where he will bound up the
steps into the tub if his yellow ball in thrown in first. He was featured
in a news broadcast on Spokane’s KHQ TV. See his clip in the top video
section (video name: Underwater therapy for dog) on their website at
http://www.khq.com/ .
Chocolate is also wearing an orthoplast splint on his left foreleg.
Orthoplast is a moldable-in-hot-water plastic that can conform to body
contours to provide support. In Chocolate’s case, the splint provides a
little extra support for his left leg as it continues to heal and as he
increases his activities.
Two days ago, Chocolate began working in a cart; a rolling sling device that
lets him have partial weight bearing on his limbs outside of the underwater
treadmill. He loves his new found freedom and is getting around the
hospital quite well. Look for our next entry in Chocolate’s file to have
photos and video of him as he cruises the hallways.
Finally, Chocolate is going to be neutered tomorrow. Neutering is important
for animal population control as well as the long-term health of companion
animals. All expectations are he will tolerate the brief procedure well and
return to his rehabilitation work next week.
Expect the next update in early April.
Last Edited: May 06, 2008 3:32 PM
