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Returning to Competition

3K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  PalouseDogs 
#1 ·
I am hoping to gather some inspiration from RTF group. My young lab "Wilson" suffered a medial collateral ligament injury (hock not stifle) requiring surgery and incidental finding of carpal fracture of the left rear foot. The surgery was done in Nov 2012. He has been on leash walking only since surgery. After clearance from his surgeon, we are following a certified rehab specialist with his activity level. I honestly believe that the one advantage that he has with this type of injury is his size. He is 45 lbs of lean muscle.

My question to the group is this, has anyone had a dog with this type of injury return to competition? Wilson is a high drive lab who was competing in agility at the time of the injury (injury not related to agility). It is not the focus of his recovery to return to agility, I just want him to be healthy and happy. However, this little dog is DETERMINED! He is nearly 12 weeks out from surgery and doing great. We are walking approximately two to three miles per day and recently included a harness for added resistance training with recent introduction of steep hills and rough terrain training. You can see from the video his frustration of not being able to run. Please feel free to Private message. I appreciate any replies about your personal experiences.

video 10 weeks post op - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRuU6aGu3J0

Thanks so much, Martha
 

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#2 ·
Ouch, wouldn't want to wish that injury on any person or dog...after reading your post I couldn't help but think about "Wilson" from "Castaway". Let's hope this doesn't happen to you 12 months post-op :razz:
 
#5 ·
LMAO here, ssoooooo sssooooorry for your pain! But that was very funny. Happyto see his drive to retrieve is the greatest drive.......
May I share that video?
 
#6 ·
Sure. The funniest part of it was that I could not hear the announcer and when I got home and played it back I was cracking up. Poor Wilson. I can't believe that he was even able to do any agility with that going on across the fence.

Now back to serious...anyone had this type of injury?
mv
 
#9 ·
I hope that Wilson adds some inspiration to those struggling from injury. Wilson was injured in Nov 2012. I seriously didn't even know if he would walk well again after the accident. Not many gave us hope to ever return to any competition let alone agility. He proved us all wrong...We live in rural Western KY. My regular vet repaired his leg and there is no rehab facility within 160 miles or more. I gathered information from friends and professionals online and little Wilson gained strength. Not an easy road but this dog was determined to get better. He has something inside that you can't buy online, in a store or otherwise. Nicknamed "Spidey" for his incredible athleticism and jumping skills, he is my little superhero :) I know the start lines suck and the barking would drive the field folks insane, but so proud of my little guy (back to training :) I bet Dusty is smiling down on his son.

Thanks for listening.
https://vimeo.com/70154129 (rehab video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYyvFLdvV-w (return to agility 8/2/2013)
 
#10 ·
I dont think Wilson knows he was ever injured... looks like hes having the time of his life doing what he loves!!! Just goes to show you what proper rehad and a little motivation could do... Way to go keep up the good work and good Luck Wilson!
 
#11 ·
Wow, what a recovery. Happy for you and Wilson, that he has healed so well and you can continue doing what you love together.
 
#12 ·
What an athletic lab! Kudos to you, too as a trainer. Nice distance work and independent weaves.
 
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