A blind rescue dog who was left paralysed after running into a tree has made a miraculous recovery after specialist surgery.
Ralph, a three-year-old greyhound, sustained critical injuries and needed two emergency neck surgeries at the renowned Cave Veterinary Specialists in Somerset after the freak accident.
He was rushed to his local vets, Avenue Veterinary Centre in Malvern, who referred him to Cave, near Wellington, for specialist treatment.
His injuries were so serious that they resulted in total paralysis of his legs, and vets warned he’d need extensive medical care just to survive.
A CT scan initially detected a spinal fracture, after which Ralph underwent two surgical procedures on his cervical vertebral column.
But Ralph, who lives near Malvern with his owner Alex Osborn, has astounded the teams with his incredible progress and can now trot and sprint freely, much to everyone’s amazement.
In fact, his triumphant battle against adversity has inspired Alex, the owner of The Old Manor Stables, a premium livery and competition stables.
Despite having suffered two back injuries from riding accidents himself, Alex credits Ralph’s resilience with altering his perspective on life.
He said: “Ralph shouldn’t be here. He’s absolutely amazing and made me look at life completely differently. If he can overcome what he’s been through, then it shows anything is possible.”
Alex added: “Both Avenue Veterinary Centre and Cave have been amazing. Just two months back at home and Ralph’s movement is back to normal.
“His unbelievable recovery has given me joy and also to others who have shared his positive experience.”
He praised the staff at Cave for their incredible work and support, during what was a very tricky time.
Kim Kendal, the wards team leader at Cave, said: “Everyone at Cave took Ralph to their hearts, not least the nursing team. He received round-the-clock care from our dedicated nurses who were determined to see him back on his feet.”
Cave provides a comprehensive range of specialist services including anaesthesia, cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, orthopaedic surgery and soft tissue surgery.
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