For 3 months she was almost totally inactive. She stayed in a crate indoors and only went outside for short
trips, walking with a sling supporting her hips. I kept her as quiet as possible, using tranquilizers as needed.
By mid-February she wasn't in pain, but her almost total inactivity had caused her muscles to atrophy. By
March I was taking her on walks on a short lead, but her leg muscles had become really puny. She had little
strength in her legs and almost no endurance.
Before surgery, April was a regular at LaBest DayCare. In mid-March I met Deborah Walker in a local
restaurant. She asked how April was and I recited my litany about how sad it was and how April's legs had no
muscle. Deborah listened and then said "Why don't you bring her in and I'll do deep tissue massage to
stimulate her muscles." I took April to Deborah and April began having regular massages. Next Deborah
suggested that April come back to DayCare and be put out to play with dogs that "run but don't wrestle." April
was back in DayCare.
Since that chance meeting in the restaurant in March, Deborah has cared for April, giving her deep tissue
massage and providing safe exercise in DayCare. April's recovery has been dramatic. Her leg muscles have
become firm and are developing well. Best of all, she can run and jump and play again!
May, 2007
In early November 2006, my 9 month old Golden Retriever, April, started
limping on a back leg. After x-rays, we were faced with the diagnosis severe
hip dysplasia and recommendation for orthopedic surgery. I got opinions from
3 different veterinarians before I agreed to submit April to surgery. The
procedure is called a triple pelvic osteotomy. The pelvis is cut in three places
and the hip is rebuilt using plates and screws. She had surgery on the first hip
in November and then surgery again for the second hip in December.
limping on a back leg. After x-rays, we were faced with the diagnosis severe
hip dysplasia and recommendation for orthopedic surgery. I got opinions from
3 different veterinarians before I agreed to submit April to surgery. The
procedure is called a triple pelvic osteotomy. The pelvis is cut in three places
and the hip is rebuilt using plates and screws. She had surgery on the first hip
in November and then surgery again for the second hip in December.
On April 30, April visited her regular veterinarian. He palpated her
hips and legs and said they feel "really good". I told him about the
therapy she was receiving at LaBest, and his comment on the
recommendation section of his report was "Keep up the good work".
On May 21, April returned to her orthopedic surgeon for x-rays. He
entered the room with a "thumbs up" sign. He told me that her hips
and legs are "perfect!"
It is nearly the end of May, If you come early to LaBest you might see
April. She's the happy Golden prancing into DayCare with her head
and tail held high. She may be rumbling a little - she's always calling
for a friend to come play. April is a happy, healthy girl again.
Deborah Walker's knowledge, caring, and professional treatment play
a major role in turning April's life around. I will always be grateful to
her and all the staff of LaBest for their contribution to April's recovery.
hips and legs and said they feel "really good". I told him about the
therapy she was receiving at LaBest, and his comment on the
recommendation section of his report was "Keep up the good work".
On May 21, April returned to her orthopedic surgeon for x-rays. He
entered the room with a "thumbs up" sign. He told me that her hips
and legs are "perfect!"
It is nearly the end of May, If you come early to LaBest you might see
April. She's the happy Golden prancing into DayCare with her head
and tail held high. She may be rumbling a little - she's always calling
for a friend to come play. April is a happy, healthy girl again.
Deborah Walker's knowledge, caring, and professional treatment play
a major role in turning April's life around. I will always be grateful to
her and all the staff of LaBest for their contribution to April's recovery.
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