Update on Dodge’s Recovery Journey
Dodge’s recovery following his April 14 surgery at Scissortail Veterinary Specialists has brought encouraging progress in a relatively short amount of time. Following a traumatic attack as a puppy, Dodge has lived the past four and a half years unable to fully open his mouth, leaving him unable to chew, pant, run or play like a typical dog.
The complex procedure went as well as hoped, and by the evening he returned home, Dodge was able to open his mouth and eat comfortably for the first time. His first post-surgery meal of cooked chicken marked an important milestone in his recovery journey.
To help rebuild strength in his jaw, Dodge initially transitioned to softer foods before quickly progressing to solid meals and even chewing cow femur bones, an important part of restoring muscle tone and reducing the chance of his jaw locking again. While his mouth mobility improved significantly after surgery, his surgeon recommended additional range-of-motion therapy at Tallgrass Animal Urgent Care. During two sedated therapy sessions, veterinarians gently stretched his jaw to improve flexibility and function. After the first treatment alone, Dodge’s mouth opening increased from 4 centimeters to 8 centimeters. Following the second visit, his jaw function was approaching that of a typical dog.
Today, Dodge can yawn, bark, pant, eat and drink without noticeable difficulty. He will still require minor dental work to address some tooth and gum grinding caused by previous jaw alignment issues, including the extraction of a few teeth. His care team remains hopeful these procedures will further improve his comfort and alignment.
With his physical restrictions lifted, Dodge has been able to enjoy a much more active lifestyle. Before surgery, his inability to pant safely limited him to short walks up and down the street. Now, he enjoys exploring the neighborhood, taking weekly trips to local parks, and spending time off-leash in the backyard with his foster sister. He has also become increasingly interested in toys and interactive play, including a few games of tug-of-war.
Each week, Dodge continues to gain strength and confidence. From relearning simple daily activities to enjoying regular play and exercise again, his progress has been encouraging for both his foster family and veterinary team.
