Chocolate’s surgery a success! May 6 2008
A second surgery on Chocolate, a stray Chesapeake
Bay retriever from the Tri-Cities is being hailed as a success at
Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The WSU veterinary surgical team performed a corrective osteotomy on
Chocolate’s left forelimb to help him be able to use the leg more
correctly. “Chocolate’s mobility problem stems from his old
fractures,” said WSU veterinary surgeon Dr. Steve Martinez. “The old
breaks in his radius and ulna bones of his left forelimb had fused
into one, and kept him from putting his paw flat on the ground.”
During the 4 hour surgery, the WSU Team was able to correct that
problem.
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Chocolate enjoys some sun while icing down his leg with WSU Veterinary
Student Sara Manthey
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“This was a key step towards helping Chocolate to regain reasonable
use of front legs for walking again,” said Dr. Martinez.
The next step for Chocolate will be a few days of rest, before resuming
his rehabilitation schedule. This involves some stretching, some time
outside when it’s nice, and ice to help ease any swelling, along with proper
pain medication. The WSU Team is watching the surgical site closely to
ensure its healing properly. 4th year veterinary student Sara Manthey says
Chocolate’s surgery went well, adding “I can’t wait to see him walking
again.”
If all goes as planned, Chocolate should be able to resume his
rehabilitation next week. “Until then, he still needs lots of love and
care. Our team of committed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, staff,
and students are certainly providing all of that and more here at WSU” said
Dr. Martinez. Adding that he remains optimistic that Chocolate may be able
to be released from care in early June.
Darin Watkins
College of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
(509) 335-4456
Last Edited: May 06, 2008 3:57 PM
