Sophie’s Comeback: Purdue Veterinary Specialists Help a Lame Dog Walk Again

A black dog named Sophie is sitting on a brown couch

Today our series of articles about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital continues as we share Sophie’s story. This is just one of the heartwarming tributes provided by hospital clients to highlight the vital care and treatment their animal companions received from the hospital’s teams of clinicians, veterinary nurses, staff and students.

Veterinarians in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Service at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital gave a paralyzed dog named Sophie a second chance to walk after an Easter morning emergency two years ago.

Sophie’s owner, Cody White, awoke that holiday to find his dog dragging her hind legs across the floor. He drove Sophie straight to the hospital’s 24 hour emergency room, where specialists diagnosed a spinal disc injury that was compressing her spinal cord.

Surgeons recommended immediate spinal surgery, explaining that Sophie had about a 50 percent chance of regaining the use of her back legs. White agreed, and the neurology team operated the same day.
Recovery was slow. Sophie showed no movement in her lower body for nearly two months. With daily rehabilitation and follow-up visits at Purdue, she progressed from standing with assistance to now happily walking unassisted.

“Purdue was there to help with any question I had and truly cared about her well-being,” White said. “I got my fur friend back thanks to Purdue and will always recommend the Purdue Veterinary Hospital to anybody with serious concerns about their animals. Boiler up.”

Today Sophie enjoys walks, play sessions with other dogs, and yard time with White, who praises the hospital’s neuro team for her comeback.

Writer(s): Mackenzie Martin | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Taco ’bout our amazing people!

With the conclusion of the summer season rapidly approaching, faculty and staff at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine were treated to a taco luncheon on Friday, August 14 in appreciation of their excellence and dedication throughout the year. Though the event couldn't take place in the Lynn Hall Courtyard as originally planned, the rainy weather that day did not dampen the celebration of the college's incredible faculty and staff.

Reception honors visiting Japanese DVM and veterinary technology students

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s partnership with two veterinary schools in Japan was the basis for a celebratory reception at the end of last week, as the college honored visiting students from Kitasato University and Rakuno Gakuen University. The eight member delegation included four DVM students and a faculty member from Kitasato University and two veterinary nursing students and a faculty member from Rakuno Gakuen University. The reception on Friday morning, August 14, served as an informal farewell and included a brief recognition program when each of the Japanese visitors received a commemorative certificate.

ADDL and CPB Department welcome new pathology residents and intern

A trio of veterinary graduates started their pathology residencies at Purdue Veterinary Medicine this summer while a fourth veterinarian began a pathology internship in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. This newest class of students pursuing post-DVM training in pathology includes Purdue veterinary alumni and graduates of universities abroad.

PVM Team Shares Collaborative Approach at National Advancement Conference

When alumni and donors choose to invest their time, talents, and resources in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, they typically are not focusing on departments or organizational charts—they're thinking about the college they love. That simple idea was the foundation of a presentation delivered by Julia Wickard, executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and constituent liaison, and April Shepherd, PVM’s senior director of development, at the Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals (AVAP) Annual Meeting, which was held July 8-10, just prior to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Convention in Anaheim, California.

“Paws Up” for Lanora Lannan – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we are happy to highlight Lanora Lannan, who is the client liaison for Small Animal Primary Care.

“Paws Up” for Dr. Michelle Tucker – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are highlighting Dr. Michelle Tucker, who is an assistant professor of large animal surgery, for contributing to a rewarding learning environment here at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine and Purdue Football Share Bullish Outlook at Summer Event

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, recently attended the Purdue Football Coaches Celebration at McGraw’s Purdue Chop House in West Lafayette, where he connected with new Purdue Head Football Coach Barry Odom. The event, hosted by McGraw’s owner Todd McGraw, also featured an opportunity to meet “Odom,” the Purdue Beef Angus Bull that serves as the latest symbol of Boilermaker pride.

Recognition Ceremony Honors VCS Residents, Graduate Students, and Purdue Veterinary Hospital Interns

More than 100 faculty and staff of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital (PVH) gathered at Lafayette’s Thomas Duncan Hall on Thursday, June 26 for the 2025 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. The historic venue was a wonderful place to host this annual event that honors and celebrates the accomplishments of the VCS and PVH residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.