Cases - Othopedics

Post-Surgical

Name: Riley
Age at Evaluation: 10 months
Breed: Golden Retriever
Evaluation Date: 9/18/02
Presenting Complaint: post-surgical rehab for right femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO)
History: Began limping in 5/02. X-rays showed bilateral hip luxations and bilateral elbow dysplasia. Bilateral elbow arthroscopy and right FHO performed the first week in September 2002. Total hip replacement scheduled for the left hip in January 2003.
Exam Findings: Very quiet dog. Possibly mild pain on extension of elbows; bilateral hindlimb lameness with right side worse than left. Right side was a toe touching lameness. Severe bilateral muscle atrophy. Very weak. Decreased range of motion on hip extension with pain. Pronounced swelling over incision site.
Goals: To improve weight bearing on right hindlimb; improve strength, endurance, and flexibility; reduce swelling; improve quality of life. Treatment Plan: Pain management (Etogesic), heat therapy, stretching,a home exercise plan.
Outcome: By 10/17/02, Riley was very active and playful and bouncing around lobby; range of motion in hips was greatly improved; less painful; and was weight bearing on right hindlimb. By 1/03, he was doing so well, that his guardians cancelled his total hip replacement.
Latest Update: As of 5/7/03, Riley was still a very active dog and able to participate in all the activities that a young Retriever enjoys.

Name: Rosie
Age at Evaluation: 3 years
Breed: Irish Wolfhound
Evaluation Date: 2/3/04
Presenting Complaint: Pelvic and rib fractures; unable to walk
History: Rosie was hit by a car 3 weeks prior to presentation and had 3 surgeries prior to seeing us (a splenectomy; 1st pelvic fracture repair surgery; 2nd fracture repair surgery to fix the plate that came off her pelvis at home).
Exam Findings: Pain; unable to get up or walk without assistance; dragging left rear limb.
Goals: Short term-to reduce pain. Long term-ability to get up and walk unassisted.
Treatment Plan: Hospitalization; pain management (fentanyl patch, codeine); Pulsed Signal Therapy to pelvis; assisted walking; cold/heat therapy; nutritional therapy.
Outcome: Rosie improved significantly and by 2/7/04, she was able to get up on her own and walk unassisted.
Latest Update: On 3/2/04, Rosie slipped on the floor at home, and her plate came off of her pelvis again. Rosie is now slightly more sore than before. Rosie rested for several weeks at home, and will resume therapy this week. She has a tentative surgery in 6 months to remove the plate from her pelvis.