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College of Veterinary Medicine Advance Newsletter

An Underwater Therapeutic Treadmill Helps a Dog Learn to Walk Again Thanks to Two Generous Friends of the College of Veterinary Medicine

After running for months with two broken legs, “Chocolate,” a stray Chesapeake Bay retriever, was brought to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital from a clinic in the Kennewick, Washington.  WSU veterinary orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steve Martinez, performed several surgeries to help Chocolate regain the use of his injured front legs.  When the bandages came off, Chocolate began physical therapy in a special, underwater treadmill that allows animals to use their limbs without bearing full weight.  The treadmill, a gift to the college from two generous donors, makes it possible to begin the rehabilitation process earlier, which speeds recovery. » More ...