• SPINAL OP SUCCESS AT KENTDALE HEALS DOG’S BROKEN NECK
  • SPINAL OP SUCCESS AT KENTDALE HEALS DOG’S BROKEN NECK
  • SPINAL OP SUCCESS AT KENTDALE HEALS DOG’S BROKEN NECK

    We are one of the UK’s leading Specialist Orthopaedic, Spinal and Soft Tissue small animal referral centres.

SPINAL OP SUCCESS AT KENTDALE HEALS DOG’S BROKEN NECK

A dog owner has admitted she feared the worst when vets revealed her precious pet had broken his neck in three places.

Carol Pilkington, from Chorley, Lancashire, said she heard a snap when her whippet-cross went ‘head over heels’ while playing in a field and has heaped praise on our expert veterinary team, who were able to heal her beloved pet.

Despite the happy outcome, Carol revealed she was stunned when Specialist Vet Graham Hayes initially told her the extent of the damage to four-year-old Gybe.

Carol explained: “Gybe was running in the field with his sister, Storm, when he went head over heels. We heard a snap but when we took Gybe to our local vets they thought it was a muscular problem, so gave him pain relief. After 10 days, Gybe wasn’t improving so we were referred to Kentdale and learned that Gybe had broken three vertebrae in his neck.

“We were shocked and even the specialist, Graham, was surprised Gybe had managed for so long like that. “We were very concerned and were expecting Graham to say there was nothing that could be done but he and the Kentdale team were fantastic, and Gybe has now fully recovered. We are so grateful and I would definitely recommend Kentdale Referrals to other pet owners.”

Expert Vet Graham, an RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, carried out the intricate surgery to repair and re-stabilise his seriously damaged spine.

Toby Gemmill, Managing Director at Kentdale and an RCVS and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics), explained: “Gybe had suffered a comminuted fracture-luxation (broken in at least two places and dislocated) of the fourth cervical vertebra.

“One dorsal articular facet was fractured, the vertebral body was fractured into two major pieces, and the vertebral canal was narrowed as a result, compressing the spinal cord and the nerves.  The cervical spine was unstable and surgery was needed to stabilise the vertebrae to improve alignment and minimise the risk to the spinal cord from any instability during healing.

“Surgery went very well and we succeeded in stabilising the cervical spine using screws and bone cement. We placed four bicortical screws in Gybe’s C3 and C5 vertebrae, along with four short screws in the fragments of the C4 vertebra. Gybe has subsequently recovered really well. At his recent post operative check eight weeks after surgery he was managing walks of between 20 to 30 minutes a day with no neck pain reported.

“It’s a very good outcome and we’re delighted Gybe has made such excellent progress after his dramatic somersault accident in the field.”

Testimonials

  • There’s never a problem speaking to our lovely receptionists at Kentdale Vets to book an appointment; my little girl would not be with us now without Jan, her surgeon and the brilliant nurses that looked after her.

    Stephen – Nancy’s owner

  • If I could give a higher score, I would! This being our second referral, it has felt like coming home, and to feel that when we arrive with major trauma to our dog is wonderful. Immediately we were in smiley, reassuring, safe arms again, and our crisis rapidly disappeared. The immediate welcome from the reception staff to Kirstie, amazing Joe and even the reassuring and friendly night nursing staff all let us know our precious boy was in very safe hands. Can't speak highly enough - and this is a consistent standard.

    Ani – Floyd’s owner

  • Great communication between myself and the staff was kept updated, and they took great care of my dog! The operation went perfectly, and the scar has healed nicely, considering its place! Gave simple and easy-to-follow after-care steps!

    Kim – Bella’s owner

  • Felt my dog was safe with you, and treatment would be done with his best interests coming first. Follow-up physio with Genie and now Emma were excellent. Friendly staff.

  • I cannot say how amazing Kentdale is; your exceptional service and kindness. Thank you.

    Victoria – Lulu’s owner

  • All the staff go out of their way to be helpful. Nothing is too much trouble, and no question is considered stupid or a waste of time. They treat my dog, Riley, with respect and kindness and me the same. I can’t thank them enough for their help on what has been a rough road for Riley and us.

    Pat – Riley’s owner

  • Excellent doggy care. Nothing too much trouble, and the team all look happy in their jobs. Simon was great with us, and Henry kept us informed and gave clear explanations. Definitely would recommend it.

    Alison – Henry’s owner

  • Full confidence in the skills, equipment and expertise of the whole team. Assured by the staffing levels to respond to unplanned events during procedures and recovery. Across the team, the ability to explain and advise.

    Graham – Winston’s owner

  • The team have been so helpful in looking after Cuin and ourselves after what turned out to be a traumatic experience. We can't thank them enough and would definitely recommend their services.

    Cuin’s Owners

  • Expertise, kindness, empathy, time spent explaining incredibly difficult situations. Efficiency.

    Pet Owner

  • I really felt like me and my dog Mollie were being looked after as soon as we walked through the door. Friendly faces on reception and Jan the consultant was very thorough, friendly and I felt Mollie was in very good hands.

    C. Waterhouse, Pet Owner

  • Very nice waiting area where thought has been given to the layout for having multiple pets in at the same time. Friendly and welcoming staff. Very thorough and professional vets.

    Pet Owner

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