Subject: Amanda / Swim Exercise

Dear Pam:

History and Clinical Problems (notes from Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital): Amanda is a three year old female Boxer who presents to OSU Orthopedic Surgery Service for re-evaluation of a right cement-less total hip replacement surgery that was performed on April 14, 2006. She has been treated for septic arthritis and septic loosening of her implants since April 18, 2007. She has been on Doxycycline since July 19, 2007. She has regained some use of the right hind limb but still has significant lameness associated with the hip. Rimadyl and Tramadol have helped reduce the pain. 

Prognosis: Based on radiographic evidence of persistent infection associated with the implant, removal of Amanda’s prosthetic hip gives her the best prognosis for a return to fair use of her right hind hip. Surgery performed February 7, 2008.

As you recall, Amanda had been non-weight bearing on the right hind limb from mid-January 2008 through March 5, 2008. On February 22^nd we were urgently referred to your facility for immediate pool-swim therapy. Her first swim was February 23, 2008. This was the first indication in the pool that she could “use” the leg. After the 4^th swim she took her first walking steps!

Yesterday March 24, 2008 was Amanda’s 12^th swim! As you recall she is walking, and high-stepping with energy and playfulness. She demonstrates the fact that she puts considerable weight on the right limb and pushes off with pressure in the pool. She can now walk for up to 30 minutes and can probably walk longer if we were to take that next step.

We are certain that without the pool exercise, she would have lost the use of the leg due to muscle atrophy. We just want to thank you for making the investment to have the indoor canine exercise pool, and to thank Dr. Julie Morris for referring us to you.

For the first time in nearly  six long months, she is playing with toys and acting like a dog again. A truly happy ending for such a long trip.

Sincerely,

Jon R. Nielsen

March 25, 2008

Photo by Rene Saylor

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