A FIVE YEAR OLD working dog, has made a remarkable recovery after suffering from lameness in his forelegs, thanks to the Brentknoll Veterinary Centre in Worcester.
Basil, a Korthals Griffon, experienced pain after seriously damaging the tendons in his elbows during field trial competitions.
His owner, Rhi Cartwrigh – serves as a clinical nurse manager at Brentknoll – sought the help of her colleagues when she noticed his condition last November.
Clinical director Rikki Burford, diagnosed Basil with tendinopathy, a painful repetitive strain injury common in sporting and working dogs.
“Basil was suffering lameness in both forelegs, so we carried out a CT scan and an ultrasound examination to highlight the problem.
“The images helped us to identify that he was suffering from tendinopathy.
“To combat this, we organized laser therapy treatment to target the problem areas and physiotherapy and manipulation to ease the pain and the lameness.”
Rikki and the team at Brentknoll came up with a recovery plan for Basil, which included laser therapy, physiotherapy, and an exercise regimen tailored to his needs.
“We analysed Basil’s stance and movement and devised an exercise plan for him, including walking on a treadmill and navigating an activity course complete with wobble boards, cushions, and mini jumps to aid his mobility.
“There was a good improvement after only a few sessions, but his treatment is ongoing, here at the practice and at home, to maintain his improvement and recovery.”
Rhi, said: “I first noticed a problem last November, and he quickly became almost totally lame in his right foreleg and was in a lot of pain.
“Then he started having similar problems with his left foreleg.
“I was very concerned, so I took him to work to see Rikki, who examined him and conducted a CT scan.
“As a registered veterinary nurse, I obviously have a good clinical knowledge, but when we got the CT scan results and Rikki explained the diagnosis – tendinopathy – it wasn’t something I was expecting at all.”
After a few months of care and treatment, Basil has recovered.
Rhi added that the problem was down to wear and tear in his tendons caused by his field trials.
