Chocolate resumes his rehabilitation, May 20, 2008
After
recovering from a second leg surgery, Chocolate, a stray Chesapeake Bay
retriever from the Tri-Cities has resumed his rehabilitation regime at
Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“As we had hoped for, the last surgery appears to have improved his ability
to use his left fore leg for walking,” said WSU veterinary orthopedic
surgeon Dr. Steve Martinez. “He now has a much improved alignment in his
left fore leg, which is a key step towards his ability to regain forelimb
function to a reasonable degree.”
Chocolate has now returned to the underwater treadmill for about 5 minutes a
session, for a couple of sessions a week. In between there are his usual
walks outside. “We don’t yet have him playing chase the ball,” said WSU
veterinary physical therapist Lori Lutskas. “We’re gradually having him put
weight back on his left leg.”
“We’re back on schedule for Chocolate’s rehabilitation,” said Dr. Martinez,
adding “if he continues to make progress like this, he could be released
early next month.”
Darin Watkins
College of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
(509) 335-4456
Last Edited: Jul 30, 2008 12:43 PM
