When Dogs Fly

The story of Sly's 2006 White Mountain Adventure

Ever wonder what happens when a  bird dog gets to thinking he can fly? Thanks to some remarkable veterinary skills and fascinating technology, wonder no more.

On August, 24, 2006, at about 6:00 PM, I lost track of Sly, our 2X Field Champion German Shorthaired Pointer, while out on the course training for a pointing dog field trial. I found him at the bottom of a 40' cliff using tracking gear. Without this equipment, this story would have ended far differently, as it is not likely he would have been found before darkness fell and shock would have preceded his tragic demise. His left rear femur had suffered a compound fracture and he could not move. We were training near Big Lake, in the White Mountains of Arizona, over a mile from our field trial camp, and I was alone with only Cash, my Missouri Fox Trotter. At over 9,000 feet, carrying a 57 pound dog over several steep hills quickly proved impossible, although I gave it my best shot after Cash refused to let me put Sly on the saddle. Standing still while mounting was never high on Cash's list of priorities. After the longest 150 yards of my life, I realized that our only chance of success was to somehow get Sly on the horse.  I stopped long enough to catch my breath and asked the Lord to help us. I gathered Sly in my arms once again and with God's help, Cash stood still and let me place him up in front of the saddle. I asked God once again to keep the horse calm and let him stand there while I mounted. My prayer was answered and, although I could not fully collect the reins and hold the dog steady, Cash seemed to realize we were in a real mess, one that he had to help resolve. Even with the reins far from collected, Cash chose his path carefully and paced himself gently and we were on our way.

As we came into camp I yelled for help and it seemed like the whole place exploded into action. Someone (I don't recall who) grabbed Sly from my numb arms, a down blanket was wrapped around him, an emergency call was made to the Veterinary Clinic in Lakeside, and within minutes Chris Heyden, my friend from Colorado Springs, CO, and I were on our way. Chris comforted Sly and kept him from losing consciousness while I broke a memorable number of traffic laws. We arrived at the clinic about an hour later, just as the staff was arriving to get things set up. (These things never happen during normal business hours) The leg was x-rayed,  splinted and he was stabilized that evening by Dr. Carol Rowe, who did a tremendous job. She recommended that we contact the specialists at the Mesa Veterinary Hospital for surgery the following day. 

The following day, Dr. Fiona Little, VMD, DACVS, an accomplished K-9 orthopedic surgeon at the Mesa Veterinary Hospital, 4 hours from Lakeside, performed surgery to insert a stainless steel plate, using 9 screws and a couple of wires to stabilize the bone as Sly healed. His first post operative visit was after 8 weeks, during which time he was restricted to living in a dog crate at all times, except to eat and to use the bathroom. This confinement continued for a total of 20 weeks. During this time, his muscle tone was greatly diminished.

When given the ok to begin rehabilitation after 20 weeks, the services of Jeffrey Flocker, MPT, CCRP, Arizona's highly regarded Canine Rehabilitation expert, began. Mr. Flocker evaluated Sly's gait and motion range by observing his movement in an underwater treadmill. He found him to be remarkably fit with mild to moderate atrophy of his left hip adductors and very minimal range restriction. To accelerate the rehabilitation, we immediately began a  program that included swimming therapy and uphill runs. These were followed by harness roading and after 20 days we were able to begin 20-30 minute horseback workouts. Sly competed in an AKC licensed Field Trial in February, just 24 weeks after the injury and showed no signs of lameness. Two months later he won an AKC Retrieving Major, to finish his AKC Amateur Field Champion title. The following photos were provided by the great staff at the Mesa Veterinary Clinic. I hope you will find them as fascinating as I have.

This photo shows the compound fracture of his LR Femur. Significant bone splintering indicates the need for specialized surgery.	This photo was taken immediately after surgeon, Dr. Fiona Little, placed a Stainless steel plate, 9 screws and 2 wires to hold bone together during healing.	This photo was taken 8 weeks after surgery. Notice "callus"  forming on inside of bone. Prominent gaps in callus indicate likely over activity.	12 weeks post op. Notice large gap in callus still prominent.  Additional time will be needed for the bone to heal with very limited activity.
		This photo shows the incision the day after the surgery.   We disagree with those who have suggested that our devotion to Sly's recovery was exceptional. It simply was what had to be done. We were very fortunate for a lot of help along the way and would like to sincerely thank everyone that was involved. Chris Heyden, who risked his life driving with me to Lakeside the evening of the accident, just to hold Sly and keep him calm, Dr. Rowe, Dr. Little, Jeffery Flocker and everyone who always kept Sly in their thoughts and prayers. The remarkable medical attention, combined with expert rehabilitation guidance, combined with God's Devine will, has enabled Sly to regain his former status as a talented performance athlete.  Thank you all so very much.
16 weeks post op. Gap has filled considerably, but additional healing time will be needed with continued confinement.	20 weeks post op. The callus has filled in completely indicating rehabilitation can begin, followed by conditioning.
Jeffery Flocker lowers Sly into the pool for his first rehabilitative swim. He swam for a total of 22 minutes with a 3 minute break at the half way point.		Jeffery holds Sly's tail to control his ability to finish early. As sessions continued, Sly was quickly able to swim at fast rates for 25-30 minutes without rest. Jeffery was impressed by his stamina and drive, and I was impressed by Jeffrey's skill and enthusiasm.