Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) announced that it performed orthopedic surgery on Aloka, widely known as “the Peace Dog,” the beloved canine companion of the Buddhist monks currently undertaking the Walk for Peace across the United States.
Based on an orthopedic physical examination and diagnostic X-rays, Aloka was diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in his right knee. After careful consideration and discussion with the monks, the decision was made to proceed with surgical intervention to relieve Aloka’s pain and give him the best possible chance to continue the journey.
The procedure performed was a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), a specialized orthopedic surgery that stabilizes the knee joint by cutting and rotating the top of the tibia to prevent forward movement of the femur. A bone plate and screws secure the bone in its new position while healing occurs. The surgery was performed this afternoon by Dr. Patti Sura, DVM, DACVS, board-certified veterinary surgeon at CVRC.
“There is a high likelihood that this surgery will be successful,” said Sophy Jesty, Medical Director at CVRC. “With proper healing and rehabilitation, Aloka is expected to be able to walk and run without pain within approximately two to three months.”
The post-operative period will be critical to Aloka’s recovery. He will need to wear an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) until his incision heals, approximately two weeks, and his activity will need to be carefully restricted and gradually increased according to the surgeon’s instructions.
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center is covering the entire cost of Aloka’s procedure, a gesture the hospital views as a privilege rather than an obligation.
“This is truly an honor for our entire hospital,” said Jesty. “We are acutely aware of the trust placed in us to perform surgery on a dog who means so much to so many. We provided the venerable monks with all of the options for managing Aloka’s condition so they could make a thoughtful decision on his behalf. After careful consideration, they chose to move forward with surgery sooner rather than later because they did not want Aloka to remain in pain for the rest of the walk. This decision put Aloka first.”
Aloka was referred to Charleston Veterinary Referral Center by Batesburg Leesville Animal Hospital.
While Aloka is expected to reunite with the monks as soon as it is safe to do so, his participation in the journey will be limited during recovery. He will likely travel in the RV while the monks are walking, but may come out to greet people when walking is paused, allowing him to remain connected to the mission without compromising his healing.
The Walk for Peace is a long-distance pilgrimage undertaken by Buddhist monks to promote nonviolence, unity, and compassion. Aloka’s presence on the walk has touched countless people along the route. More information about the Walk for Peace and Aloka’s journey can be found at: dhammacetiya.com,
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center is a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital serving the Lowcountry and beyond. Learn more about CVRC at: charlestonvrc.com