WSU veterinary surgeons finish repairs to Tri-Cities dog’s broken legs
February 12, 2008
PULLMAN, Wash. – “Chocolate,” the Chesapeake Bay retriever is resting
comfortably at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching
Hospital after undergoing a 6-hour surgery to multiple old breaks in his
right foreleg. Previously, he underwent a five hour procedure to help
repair old breaks in his left front leg that had also healed improperly.
“He is doing surprisingly well,” said WSU veterinary orthopedic surgeon,
Dr. Steve Martinez. “We have removed all the bandaging from his left
leg, and have placed his right in a soft support bandage. So far, he
has had very little pain. In fact, he may be able to begin physical
therapy very soon.”
Monday night’s procedure was far more extensive then Chocolate’s
previous surgery. Dr. Martinez used a metal plate to stabilize the leg
after manipulating the foot 90 degrees back into its proper position. At
the same time, he attempted to surgically rebuilt Chocolate’s elbow
joint that had become dislocated as a result of the extensive fractures
that had healed improperly.
Chocolate continues to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from
gnawing and licking his incisions. The incisions were closed with skin
staples that will be removed in about 10 to 14 days.
“His
long-term prognosis will be dependent now on how he responds to the
intensive physical therapy that he is about to begin,” said Dr.
Martinez. The next steps will be to monitor Chocolate’s surgical sites
closely for the next few days. The first step in his rehabilitation will
be in WSU’s new underwater treadmill. The device acts by allowing
physical activities in varying depths of water. The water level
provides buoyancy that provides for partial weight-bearing while the
bones knit together. “This tool will be of great benefit to Chocolate,
and for many cases just like his.”
The underwater treadmill is a recent addition to WSU’s Veterinary
Teaching Hospital. The purchase of the device and its installation was
provided through generous gifts from two grateful donors to the college.
Contact: Darin Watkins, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine (509)
335-4456
Last Edited: May 06, 2008 3:32 PM
