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This Months Brave Pet Award Goes To . . .

Our Brave Pet Award for April is being awarded to Chunk Hart.

Chunk is a four year old Springer spaniel who has had quite a tough nine months. It all started last July when he was seen in our Ystrad Mynach Hospital because he was lame on his left back leg.

Lauren diagnosed Cranial Cruciate Disease. The cranial cruciate ligament in dogs is the same as the “anterior” cruciate ligament in humans. It is a band of tough fibrous tissue that attaches the thigh bone to the shin bone, preventing the shin bone from shifting forward relative to the thigh bone. It also helps to prevent the knee joint from over-extending, or rotating. Trauma to the equivalent ligament in humans is common, and damage most frequently occurs during some form of sporting activity (including football, rugby and golf). The nature of cranial cruciate ligament disease is very different in dogs. Rather than the ligament suddenly breaking due to excessive trauma, it usually degenerates over time, rather like a fraying rope.

Rob operated on Chunk at our Cardiff Hospital to help stabilise the knee joint again. This was followed by several weeks of rehabilitation and laser therapy. His "parents" and all our team were very happy with his progress

Then last November, Chunk started having problems passing poop. We found a mass in his back passage, which had to be surgically removed. Luckily it was not cancer and he made a speedy recovery.

Chuck then had a good four months before he decided he wanted to see Lauren again. This time it was his right back leg he was having trouble with. Cranial Cruciate Disease was again diagnosed and Chunk had to undergo further surgery with Rob.

Chunk still has a long road of rehabilitation and laser therapy ahead of him, but he is making an excellent recovery thanks to his extremely dedicated, loving owners.......with a little help from us.

Throughout everything he has been through, his tail has never stopped wagging. No matter which of our branches he is at, all the team are always delighted to see him.