Innovative Surgery Provides New Lease On Life To Dogs

Only six months after undergoing a unique and innovative surgery at Michigan State University, Jake – part dog and now part machine – spends his time working out on an underwater treadmill, traversing obstacle courses and prancing around pain free.

Jake, an 11-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, was the first dog in the Midwest and only the 11th in the world to undergo surgery for a new, cementless elbow prosthesis last April. The procedure, done at MSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital by veterinary orthopedic surgeon Loic Dejardin, has left Jake pain free from elbow arthritis.

Without the surgery, Jake would have dealt with severe pain for the rest of his life.

Dejardin has helped MSU’s hospital become one of the first four institutions in the country to offer this elbow prosthesis, which has potential applications for human joint replacements as well.

“Jake’s case has been an absolute success,” said Dejardin, who has performed three more elbow prosthetic surgeries and is preparing for another this week. “The work we are doing here is transforming veterinary care.”

Jake was referred to MSU by veterinarian Sarah Shull of Grand Rapids’ Family Friends Veterinary Hospital and Pet Care Center, where he now undergoes intensive physical rehabilitation under the guidance of Kim Selbee. Dan and Sue Falk of Grands Rapids are Jake’s owners. full story here.

source: sciencedaily.com