JJ, Andi and Dr. Peloso
December 2, 2011
“Good morning Dr. Peloso. What a gift you gave to JJ and me when you accepted our call and so generously offered your assessment and advice. After several rehab centers and many top canine professionals shaking their heads about his situation, it was you that came up with succinct and candid thoughts about what to do and possible outcomes. Having someone who has never met us be willing to offer their thoughts means the world to me.”
-Andi Bower
Hob Nob JJ, owned by Andi Bower of St. Augustine, FL, is a 9 year old Border Collie specializing in agility performance. In the early months of 2011, he sustained an avulsion fracture of the right gastrocnemius (an avulsion fracture is a small bone fracture that forms in a place where a tendon or ligament attaches to the bone). This injury is very rare in both dogs and horses. Andi exhausted many options before she reached out to Dr. John Peloso, equine surgeon and partner at EMCO. After assessing the injury, Dr. Peloso recommended several exercises to rehabilitate JJ. He continued communication with Andi over the ten months it took to bring JJ back to performance condition. Just recently, JJ and Andi returned to agility competition and placed first in the Round 2 Steeplechase Finals in Winter Park, FL!
In an effort to help other dogs with similar injuries, and their owners, they wanted to share their story and discuss some of the treatments. First, they started with slow flat work at increasing distances. Then they added a combination of hill work, stadium stairs, a butt pack with weights, swimming and an incline treadmill. “The incline treadmill and stair climbing with weight on the rear legs along with my flat work exercise program of rear end and lateral work, and Bosu ball and peanut ball balance work, really allowed JJ a consistent way to build back muscle in his rear hips and legs as well as strengthening his core,” Andi said. During this process, Dr. Peloso reviewed serial radiographs and ultrasound images, taken of JJ by his canine veterinarian, in order to monitor JJ’s progress and give Andi feedback on the exercises.
After almost a year of hard work and perseverance, JJ is back to doing what he loves. Below are the links to JJ’s recent performances. “Enjoy and smile as JJ is so happy being back in competition! JJ is a phenomenal partner and we’ve placed 4th in the world prior to 2010 for several years and in 2010, placed 7th with our team. If we never go again to world competition, it has been an incredible run!” – Andi Bower
Rehabilitation can be difficult for any animal but with patience, dedication and a good treatment plan, anything is possible! JJ, Andi and Dr. Peloso are an incredible example of teamwork and commitment. JJ’s picture can be found on the EMCO Wall of Fame.
Congratulations to JJ and Andi on their full recovery and return to the competition arena!