Update on Ski the Amazing Rottweiler

Some more outstanding news from Ski the Wonder Dog... (if you recall from my previous post about Ski, he had a ruptured cruciate ligament, which has healed with the aid of physical therapy, not surgery)

I thought I'd send an update on Ski's condition. Everyone who has read your blog about him has been touched by the story. Thank you.

During his re-evaluation a couple weeks ago, Dr. Mayer officially declared Ski out of Rehab and into the "Swim Club". She feels his muscle tone is exceptional. She can find no sign of scarring in his leg, though people have told me that is not possible. He has added 3 pounds (apparently all muscle) on his now grain-free diet. Ski has worked as hard as any dog they've ever seen, and can now "enjoy the fruits of his labor....it's time to let Ski be a dog once again". I am still cautious, but allow Ski to enjoy normal activities with his friends. He's back in Agility training and leading the class again, but not jumping above 16" just yet.

As far as the "Swim Club" is concerned, that refers to the fact that he no longer requires the land-base physical therapy, and can focus on the hydrotherapy he loves so much. We will continue with the land-based circuit training only once or twice a month, to keep him familiar with the routines. Truthfully, we're actively working on making him a good swimmer. Over the last few weeks, we've ended his underwater treadmill sessions by raising the water with the jets full force toward him, while helping him to swim (he wears a life jacket, as he is still uncomfortable when the water level rises). This came in handy last Saturday at my Farm, when our nesting Canadian Geese distracted him and he fell off the bridge. Don't worry, it was a 2' drop into 4' water, and I was ready to jump in, but the water was 45 degrees, so I was happy to see him paddle straight to shore on his own.

Tonight on the treadmill he ran for 20 minutes at speeds up to 2mph into the full power jets. One of the therapists remarked that he is easily the strongest dog they have there, even though there are many larger than him, and several outweigh him by more than 50 pounds. He did have a good nap when we got home. (Time for me to write this note.) Yes, I believe with all my heart that he will not revisit the CCL issue.

Related Posts:

Ski - a dog who recovered from a cruciate ligament injury without surgery
What happens when my dog's cruciate ligament tears?
How much did you say a ruptured cruciate ligament cost to treat in my dog?
My Dog or Cat is limping