WSU veterinarians provide update on “Chocolate” Feb. 11, 2008
“Chocolate,”
the Chesapeake Bay retriever suffering with multiple, old front leg
fractures has been released from the intensive care unit at Washington State
University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
The dog underwent a nearly 5 hour procedure Friday to help repair old
breaks that had healed improperly in his left front leg. A similar surgery
for the right leg gets underway today beginning at noon
“He is doing really well,” said fourth year WSU veterinary student
Lindsey Ehlers, who has been closely monitoring Chocolate’s condition. “He
is on light pain medicine and has even been out for some light exercise. So
far, he has had a really great attitude.”
The WSU team has been using a harness to help support Chocolate’s weight.
“He has already shown signs of wanting to use his left leg,” said fourth
year veterinary student, Maci Keithly. “He has even tried putting weight on
the leg.”
On Friday, WSU veterinary orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Martinez, reported
the procedure had returned a range of motion to the elbow from only 10
percent of normal, to now 80 percent. This was accomplished by removing
muscle and connective tissue that had adhered to the bone callus formed when
the broken leg healed improperly. His focus now will be on repairing damage
to the right leg.
The
primary goal in Chocolate’s extraordinary case has been to straighten the
bones and return a functional range of motion to the joints involved.
Comprehensive rehabilitation will add back the strength needed to support
Chocolate’s weight. Both will reduce or eliminate any pain he still has
related to the original injuries. WSU veterinarians caution however that
additional surgeries may be required and that it is too early to tell what
the final outcome of the work will be.
Contact: Darin Watkins, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine (509) 335-4456
dwatkins@vetmed.wsu.edu
photo courtesy: Henry Moore Jr – BCU/WSU
People in photo: Maci Keithly 4th Year WSU Veterinary Student (pink
shirt) Lindsey Ehlers 4th Year WSU Veterinary Student
Last Edited: May 06, 2008 3:32 PM
