Thursday, January 18, 2018

Twist is Back on his Feet!



Guide dogs need their keen eyes, sharp ears, and four healthy legs to effectively do their important job.  Sometimes things go wrong, and expert veterinary help is needed to help a sick dog return to work.  When Twist's handler came home and found that his dog could not stand up and was unable to move his hind legs, he immediately called for help.   Twist was taken to the veterinary clinic at Kfar HaYarok where he underwent extensive examinations, including an MRI.  The examination revealed that the cause of the problem was a fibro cartilaginous embolism in the dog's spinal cord.   Since Twist could not work or return home to his owner's apartment, he was hospitalized in the kennels at the Center.  He was given pharmaceutical treatment and slowly began to recover and gain the use of his hind legs again. 
 After Twist was sufficiently recovered he was able to return to his handler's home and to engage in limited activities.   Twist is now working well, but hesitates when climbing stairs.   He is receiving  physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to help him grow stronger and recuperate.   We wish Twist a full and speedy recovery!  


2018 is now in full swing with the first training course that will begin next weekn and the first litter of puppies who were distributed to their adoptive families.  Best of luck to dogs, handlers, and puppy walkers!