No One Case is the Same

With a major bone deformity in her hind leg, Chica was looking at a lifetime of lameness, arthritis and mobility issues.

That was before a specialized surgical procedure was recently performed on the one-year-old dog at the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital.

“Chica’s deformity is actually one of a congenital nature that can be common in small breed dogs resulting in high grade bilateral medial patellar luxation along with femoral and tibial torsion,” said Dr. Kimery Hankins, small animal surgery resident in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Hankins says the surgery isn’t that difficult but is intricate and issues can arise with any patient.

“No one case is the same and even with surgical planning, correction can be dynamic based on findings intraoperatively to give the patient the best possible outcome,” Hankins said.

A series of organizations and individuals have assisted Chica along her medical journey. She has resided with the Heartland Humane Society in Ottumwa. Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids has also assisted helping provide funding for Chica’s medical care.

Chica was initially assessed late in 2025 before undergoing a CT scan and X-Rays at the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital a few months later. Vet3D provided consultation to Iowa State that gave the ISU orthopedic surgery team insight into how to make the appropriately angled cuts and placements of Chica’s implants.

Chica underwent surgery last month and is making a rapid recovery.

“Chica has a great prognosis,” Hankins said. “Not only is she an otherwise healthy, young dog, orthopedic disease like hers that undergo surgery typically heal well with appropriate  adherence to postoperative recommendations for their recovery.”

Chica’s recovery is due not only to the surgical expertise of the Iowa State medical team but others as well.

“Critter Crusaders have a wonderful commitment to this special girl,” Hankins said. “Additionally, her current foster, Jess Lauro (fourth-year veterinary student) has been so dedicated to Chica’s postop care.”

September 2026