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Radiographs were taken in order to clarify the nature of
the problem. It became quite clear that she had fractured
her central tarsal bone (a small but significant bone in
her ankle). This is a rare injury which is almost exclusively
seen in the racing greyhound.
Because racing tracks are run in an anti-clockwise direction
the leg affected is always the left hindleg. The driving,
twisting action from being on the outside arc of the track
can on occasion cause sufficient force to shatter this central
bone as it is crushed by its surrounding boney structures.
For most racing dogs that injury spells the end of their
career and unfortunately for some dogs an inability to perform
may have more serious repercussions than just retirement.
Luckily for Molly she happens to be in the possesion of
owners who were prepared to nurse her through the intricate
surgery and prolonged aftercare that was required. Currently,
the stainless steel screw in her ankle is holding well,
the soft tissue damage is now healed and since Molly has
no further aspirations on being a racing greyhound, retirement
is far from her mind!
Coveting another's talents or lifestyle is one thing but
Molly and I now draw the line at replicating their misery
or mishap.....................sshplendid, Mish Moneypenny!
Terry
Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS
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