Cumbrian animal hospital gives dog its mobility back

12-year-old Mia was treated at Kentdale Referrals in Milnthorpe, where he received care from the neurology and physiotherapy teams.

Mia's owner, Hazel Sisi, from Creetown in Scotland, first noticed symptoms of her pet's affliction when Mia started dragging her feet and losing balance.

Mia (Image: Kentdale Referrals)

Ms Sisi initially assumed it was a hip-related issue or arthritis.

She said: “I didn’t know what the problem was.

"It was a problem with her spine, which surprised me and also worried me.”

An MRI scan at Kentdale identified multiple thoracolumbar and lumbar slipped discs compressing Mia's spinal cord.

EBVS European specialist in small animal surgery at Kentdale, Jan Beranek, conducted an operation to restore Mia’s mobility.

Ms Beranek said: “The prolapsed portions of Mia’s discs were removed and the affected intervertebral spaces were all fenestrated.

Mia (Image: Kentdale Referrals)

“Surgery addressing more than one intervertebral space in senior dogs with multiple chronic spinal cord compressions is delicate and there’s the great risk to cause postoperative neurological deterioration."

Post-surgery, Mia's recovery process involved physiotherapy with veterinary physiotherapist Emma Woof.

Laser therapy and massage treatment were incorporated along with a home exercise plan administered for Mia’s return home.

Three months on from the surgery Ms Sisi said: "I was very worried about the surgery due to Mia’s age but they explained everything about the procedure and the aftercare needed.

“Everyone we met at Kentdale was genuinely caring and we were kept updated every day before Mia was allowed home.

"I’m happy to say that she’s now back to her normal bouncy self."

Kentdale Referrals, a specialist-led hospital delivers expert services in areas that include diagnostic imaging, arthroscopy, anaesthesia, orthopaedic surgery, spinal surgery, soft tissue surgery and physiotherapy.