An energetic dog who fractured his spine in a freak accident is back on his feet thanks to skilled Cumbrian veterinarians.

Four-year-old Mo, a working cocker spaniel, defied the odds after undergoing life-changing spinal surgery at Linnaeus-owned Kentdale Referrals in Milnthorpe.

Mo, owned by Olwyn Hewitt of Cleator Moor, Cumbria, was playing with a friend's dog at the time, when it's believe that the dogs 'collided'.

Olwyn said: “Mo let out a long distressing scream and when I reached him he was unable to move and obviously in a great deal of pain.

“A vet who was taking part in the agility competition with their own pet examined Mo and recommended he be taken to a local veterinary surgery, where he was checked and X-rayed.

“There was no improvement in Mo’s condition overnight and he was then referred to Kentdale, where it was explained in detail what the injury was, the recommended procedure and all the possible outcomes.

“It was a very emotional reunion after the surgery, especially as we didn’t know what to expect.

“His rehabilitation has progressed really well and all my agility friends cannot believe how well Mo has recovered. Apart from a slight limp, he is back to his cheeky self.”

The Westmorland Gazette: Mo is able to walk and run again after fracturing his spineMo is able to walk and run again after fracturing his spine (Image: Kentdale Referrals)

Mo’s surgery was led by Gemma Holloway, European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Graham Hayes.

Gemma said: “It was a complicated surgery with very narrow corridors to place implants, with risks of bleeding, paralysis and respiratory difficulties for Mo."

She advised using 3D bridge drill guides to increase the safety and precision of the implant placement, a precaution that ensured a successful surgery.

She said: “The operation went as well as we could have possibly hoped for and I’m delighted Mo has made excellent progress since his surgery and is bright and active once again.”

Olwyn praised those involved in saving Mo's life.

The Westmorland Gazette: Mo and his owner OlwynMo and his owner Olwyn (Image: Submitted)

The relieved owner said: "We really cannot thank Gemma and the team at Kentdale enough. Without their skill and care we wouldn’t have Mo home with us today.”

Kentdale Referrals offers services in diagnostic imaging, arthroscopy, anesthesia, orthopedic surgery, spinal surgery, soft tissue surgery, and physiotherapy.

For further information about Kentdale Referrals, please visit their website or find them on social media.