Success Stories

Josh, November 2001

This one year old black male Lab from Ontario, Canada, was surrendered to the local Humane Society after being removed from a situation of severe neglect. The Humane Society then turned Josh over to Eastern Ontario Labrador Retriever Rescue.

Josh was placed with a foster family who hoped to adopt him. However, because of his apparent lack of energy and activity, the rescue group had x-rays of his hips and elbows done when he was neutered. The x-rays showed mild hip dysplasia, which did not need treatment, but unfortunately the examination also revealed bilateral cruciate ligament injuries. This was confirmed in a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Josh appeared to be in severe pain, unable to move more than a few steps at a time, although he was otherwise healthy, heartworm negative, and blessed with a wonderful temperament.

The orthopedic surgeon recommended bilateral TPLOs - tibial plateau leveling osteotomies - to dynamically stabilize his knees so that Josh could return to being a fully active lab. This alternative surgical procedure was felt to be preferable for Josh because his poor muscle tone and strength, combined with his size and potential activity level, made him a poor candidate for conventional cruciate ligament repair techniques.

LABMED and Labrador Life Line were both contacted for assistance, and with funding help from both groups as well as from EOLRR, Josh was given the opportunity to explore the lifestyle of a happy, healthy, active Lab! He is now enjoying life to the fullest with his new family.