By Lesley Walsh
A YOUNG dog has cheated death, surviving a horrific road accident which left him clinging to life before a veterinary team and animal rescue centre decided they were determined to save him.
Freddie the cocker spaniel was hit by a car recently, badly fracturing his femur, leaving his owner at the time to decide the only route was euthanasia.
The vets looking after the nine month old dog refused to give up however, signing him over to the Barn Animal Rescue in Newtownards in the hopes of giving him a second chance.
At the shelter, Freddie was clearly uncomfortable and unable to bear weight on his injured leg. Pain relief was administered, and the very next morning, he was referred to Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists (NiVS) in Hillsborough for expert care.
Orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Burns assessed Freddie and confirmed a comminuted fracture — a serious break that required immediate surgical intervention.
Using advanced techniques, the fracture was stabilised with a combination of an intramedullary pin and a locking compression plate, with post-operative scans showing excellent alignment and positioning.
Freddie’s recovery began under the watchful eyes of the NiVS nursing team, with round-the-clock care and a tailored pain management plan. Remarkably, he was back on his feet within 24 hours.
The gentle natured pooch was returned to The Barn with a detailed rehabilitation programme, including controlled lead walks, restricted activity, and physiotherapy exercises to help restore mobility. Over the next five weeks, Freddie’s progress was nothing short of inspiring.
“Freddie’s story is one of hope and teamwork,” said Karen Matthews, Shelter Manager at The Barn.
“He came to us in pain, but full of love. We knew he deserved a second chance and thanks to NiVS and our amazing team, he got it.”
Veterinary nurse Emma McAllister, who oversaw Freddie’s rehab, added: “We followed his recovery plan to the letter. Seeing him walk again, pain-free, and then go off to a new home was just incredible.”
At his follow-up appointment, Freddie showed near-complete healing and was pain-free, then on June 18, he found a new home, being adopted by someone who gave him the second chance he deserved.
Surgeon Andrew commented: “Freddie’s case shows what’s possible when rescue centres and veterinary professionals work together. His recovery was a real team effort — and he’s proof that even the most serious injuries don’t have to be the end of the road.”
For more information on The Barn visit their social media pages or visit www.barnanimalrescue.org.uk.
