Bella was brought in to the surgery one evening by her distraught owner who had just witnessed her being run over by a car.  Bella was obviously in shock and was admitted to undergo x-rays as there were several lacerations (cuts) over her hind legs and smaller wounds on her front legs.  Bella was given intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics and analgesia (pain relief).

The radiographs confirmed that there were no broken bones despite the cuts. 

The wound over her left stifle (knee) was contaminated and areas of the skin had come away in what we call a 'de-gloving' injury.  This is caused when an animal comes into contact with the road which literally takes the skin off.  These wounds often have grit and dirt in and cannot be sutured straight away.  The picture on the right shows a sterile dressing which has been sutured in place over the wound to keep it moist and clean.

Despite being in pain and being frightened, Bella was so gentle and allowed us to examine her injuries and to treat her.  A swab was taken from the wound site and sent to the laboratory so they could identify the type of infection present and the best treatment to give.

As Bella had to stay in overnight, her owners came to visit her.  This helped all concerned and provided both Bella and her owners with comfort and reassurance.

The following day she went home.  Follow up appointments were made and four days later, Bella was admitted again to have a general anaesthetic and the wound on her stifle cleaned and sutured.  Swabs taken showed no infection and Bella is using her leg well.

Bella is wearing a 'comfy collar' which prevents her from licking or biting at the wound on her leg.  As you can see it is healing really well.

Bella at home before the accident

Feb 2009 - Duke

April 2009 - Alvin

May 2009 - Yoda

September 2009 - Squiggle 2

October 2009 - Frog

November 2009 - Harriett