The Power of Rehabilitation: Meet VCAWLA Patient George, the Golden Retriever

“George” was a 6 month old Golden Retriever who was hit by a car. This resulted in multiple rib fractures, bruising of his lungs, and severe nerve damage (brachial plexus avulsion) to his right front limb. George had no sensation and no functional use of the right front limb. He dragged his paw underneath him when he walked. George’s owner was advised to amputate the damaged limb, but he opted to try rehabilitation instead. Over the next 5 months, VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital’s physical therapists treated George with manual therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, electrical stimulation, underwater treadmill, gait training, and he was fitted with a custom orthotic (brace) for his front limb. The video shows George dragging his paw underneath him before undergoing physical therapy then in therapy, walking in our underwater treadmill, and finally George walking outside. George is now a beautiful, full grown 2 year old dog who is walking on all 4 limbs!