Bear’s Big Break

Three-year-old Bear, a beautiful Cavachon, was in a very poorly state after a road traffic accident. He had a broken right femur bone so was referred to our Orthopaedic team. This was especially traumatic for Bear’s owner as she was on holiday in Australia when Bear’s accident happened!

However, our team kept in regular contact with her throughout her beloved pet’s treatment despite being on the other side of the world.

It was while he was with us that our multi-disciplinary approach came to the fore, as the team discovered Bear was also suffering from two other unrelated medical issues – a pneumothorax, which is an abnormal accumulation of air outside the lungs, and a heart murmur.

Bear’s owner said “Being in Australia was very hard as I was so worried about Bear and also my poor mum who was looking after him, who felt dreadful the whole thing had happened on her watch. 

“After speaking with James Grierson I felt so reassured Bear was getting the best care and attention, meaning I no longer had to worry about him and could just concentrate on reassuring my mum.”

James Grierson, an RCVS and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and also our Head of Surgery said: “Bear suffered a femoral fracture after a road traffic accident. Such was the extent of the injury, that the trauma needed repairing with a pin down the bone as well as plate and screws.’

“He’s a lovely little dog with a great personality and smiling demeanour, so it’s great to hear from his owner that he’s back enjoying his walks, which are slowly building up in length.

“It was also very rewarding we were also able to diagnose and treat two other medical conditions which is testament to the skill and professionalism across departments, including Cardiology.”

Bear’s owner added: “The nursing and aftercare was also exceptional and Bear is back to enjoying regular off the lead walks of five to six miles. I will continue to increase the length of walking in small increments and am looking forward to taking Bear on holiday in the Lake District once he is fully fit.”