The Richmond SPCA brought Sofia into our loving care the week before Thanksgiving, and the last few months have been filled with rehabilitation and many more things to be thankful for this young, spunky dog. When Sofia was transferred from Richmond’s city animal control shelter, our veterinary student examined her and recommended radiographs because the 6-month-old boxer mix was not bearing weight on her right rear leg. The X-rays revealed fractures of not one but both knees.
Our staff took her for a consult with an orthopedic specialist at Virginia Veterinary Surgical Associates (VVSA), where a conservative approach was recommended with cage rest and exercise restriction. Roy Barnes, DVM, wrote, “I am hopeful that with time, she will make a near complete recovery.”
For an adolescent dog, being restricted from exercise can be tough, so our staff and volunteers found ways to give her enrichment and mental stimulation through training as well as stroller rides around our humane center for socialization. “Sofia thoroughly enjoyed the training and socialization,” said Behavior and Training Specialist Jackie Laubacher, “but the trainers knew she needed more physical exercise and it had to be something low impact that would not cause any harm to her healing bones.”
Alpha Dog Club came to the rescue! They generously offered Sofia weekly swimming sessions. While she was a little hesitant at first, Sofia quickly grew enthusiastic about fetching toys out of the water.
The Richmond SPCA is grateful to Alpha Dog Club for providing Sofia a place to safely exercise, build muscle and have fun!
Now Sofia is 9 months old, and after her most recent follow up visit at VVSA she was cleared to resume normal activity as her patellas are tracking normally. Only five days after being readied for adoption, Sofia was adopted to a loving home!
Tabitha Hanes is the director of advancement of the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires both your first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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