WSU veterinary surgeons complete first surgery on Tri-Cities dog with broken
legs
Feb. 8, 2008
“Chocolate,” the Chesapeake Bay retriever that
has captured the hearts of many, is out of surgery and is
resting comfortably at Washington State University’s Veterinary
Teaching Hospital. The large dog underwent a five hour
procedure to help repair old breaks to both of his front legs
that had healed improperly.
“I am pleasantly surprised at the range of motion we have in the
left leg,” said WSU veterinary orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve
Martinez. The procedure involved removing muscle and ligament
tissue that had become adhered to the bone callus formed when
the broken leg healed improperly. The WSU Team measured an
increase of range in motion from only 10% of normal, to now 80%.
“It leaves me very optimistic that with proper physical therapy
Chocolate will dramatically improve the use of his left leg.”
said Dr. Martinez.
Surgery has been scheduled for noon on Monday to begin repair on
Chocolate’s right leg. The primary goal has been to straighten
the bones, while rehabilitation will add back the strength
needed to support Chocolate’s weight. Additional surgeries may
be required. |
Preparing Chocolate for Surgery |
This morning, Chocolate was in good spirits, even showing signs of being
playful. His playful nature is dependent upon close proximity of his
favorite toy; a yellow rubber ball.
He will remain in WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit
over the weekend.
Chocolate was seen running at large by many residents of south central
Washington with multiple fractures and dislocations to both front legs.
Over a period of months, good Samaritans tried to coax the injured dog to
them so they could seek care. Last week, Sonia Ayala of Pasco, Wash., a
local resident was able to capture the dog and get him to a local
veterinarian who then referred him to WSU’s teaching hospital.
Contact: Darin Watkins, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine (509) 335-4456
dwatkins@vetmed.wsu.edu
Photo courtesy: Henry Moore Jr. – BCU/WSU
Last Edited: Apr 16, 2008 4:39 PM
