A tiny cat who broke one of her legs in three places is now walking without a limp thanks to the skills of a veterinary surgeon at Veterinary Specialists Scotland.
Sixteen-month-old Squirrel’s amazing recovery was possible thanks to John Mosley, a specialist small animal surgeon here at Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS) in Livingston, who realigned the fractured bones, using a bone plate and small screws to hold everything in place.
It’s thought that Squirrel, who lives on a working farm in South Ayrshire and was found dragging her leg, might have caught her leg inside one of the buildings.
Worried owner Victoria Fitch said: “I suspected Squirrel had fractured her leg but did not realise how serious it was at first.
“However, we soon discovered that the fractured bones had punctured through the skin and that this was going to be complicated.”
Squirrel was first seen at her local vets before being referred to VSS where X-rays were taken and she was made comfortable by the nursing team.
John Mosley said: “Squirrel was a relatively small cat with equally small bones when the accident happened.
“The surgery to realign and stabilise the fractured bones was intricate and a metal plate and small screws were used to hold the fractures in place while they healed. Surgery took just over two hours and we also packed the fracture site with a bone graft to help speed the healing process.”
After surgery, Squirrel spent a few days being cared for by the team at VSS before being allowed home to her loving owners.
Victoria added: “Squirrel could have ended up with an amputated leg but the team at VSS saved it!
“Squirrel is back to normal. You wouldn’t have thought she had gone through such a major trauma and her leg is perfect with no limp.
“I was kept up to date throughout her admission, procedure, and during the follow-up appointment. The nurses were lovely and really cared for her in recovery, while the receptionists were very informative and helpful, and that’s not to mention the surgery skill.”
