The Dog Spa | Canine Rehabilitation | Kennels | Grooming | Blackwood

On May 22nd 2007 our dogs were playing in our field. Spice loves being chased but this particular evening it resulted with the most horrendous injury.

Her goading meant that she was hit by two of our males coming from opposite directions. They like playing roughly but this time unusually she squealed so we knew she's been hurt quite badly. She got up and crept back to the garden where she ate her supper and lay by me whilst I did some planting.

At this time there was no evidence of how serious her injury was but we kept her quietly confined. She was able to walk sit and happy to eat. We decided to observe but in the morning she could sit but only move with support.

Realising that this could be a spinal injury we phoned our vet, explained the situation and we were immediately referred to Russell Chandler at Alphavet in Risca who is an orthopedic specialist. We assisted Spice to and from the car by using one of our slings from the hydrotherapy centre. This meant that she could be kept securely and evenly supported thereby reducing the risk of further injury.

Spice was x-rayed which showed no injury so we agreed that she could a mylogramme to aid investigation. This identified that she had a break on 2 vertebrae - L12 and L13. Not usually seen in survivors as it is usually the result of a road accident.

Mr Chandler explained that this would be particularly difficult repair as to secure or fuse the spine would involve fixings all around the bones -there could be a risk of further damage as the surgery also involved negotiating ribs and lungs - as can be seen on the x-rays.

We were given 50 - 50 chance.We felt that Spice deserved the chance, she is only 3 years old, has a zest for life and is a very precious member of our family.

Spice came through the operation very well. She was unable to stand walk without support. She had no continence. She stayed in Alphavet for a week and was always pleased to see us when we visited.

Spice came home. She immediately regained control of her bladder and bowels. She couldn't stand for long without support but she could swim!

So every day for 2 weeks Spice swam. She was confined to a large indoor kennel for her safety, walked around the garden with support - not too long before we were dragged along after her!!

She made steady progress then seemed to plateau after a month. She could move unaided in a confined area but would bounce off the puppy run sides to adjust her balance. She was very happy in herself so we still felt even with this amount of progress it had been worth while.

Then at the beginning of September we noticed more dramatic changes. Spice started to regain her independent mobility, she wasn't lying quietly in the garden - she was stalking magpies, the cats had to be on standby. Not chasing at any great speed but 'having a go' .
Friends and visitors were asking who she was - Spice! She looks so different!

Spice still swims regularly. She paces much of the time - at various speeds!, She has some problem with slippery surfaces.

She can and will continue to improve. Denise Hayes-Davies who is the only small animal chartered physiotherapist in South Wales is to work with her to re-educate her use of the hind leg muscles . This will help Spice regain normal gait.

Spice's story will continue - She is testament to the extraordinary skills of Russell Chandler and his superb team at Alphavet in Risca.

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to be continued....