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!