The English springer spaniel acquired its name from the process by which it flushes game- they are known to “spring” forward to drive birds away from their hiding places. Even today this breed still honours its name with its bouncy and “springy” character.

On a Saturday morning, near the end of my consults, a message on the screen suddenly appeared: “Dog had accident”. I came outside and found Rosie, a young Springer spaniel, sitting in reception. While I examined the dog, I was listening to the owner’s story; a trip to Hinckley town centre ended up in a disaster. Whilst parking in a two storey car park, Rosie took an unexpected run and jumped over the edge and ended up in the middle of the street after a 25 metre drop! Miraculously, she survived the crash and was even more lucky that no cars hit her after the fall.

Although Rosie was extremely subdued on my consult table, she kept wagging her tail, which showed her strong will. It was clear that she was in shock and needed immediate aggressive fluid therapy and pain relief. Emergency investigation such as chest radiography, abdominal ultrasound and bloods made me suspicious of internal bleeding due to liver damage. Furhter radiography later revealed a pelvic fracture. Intensive care and close monitoring were a priority to keep the situation under control.

Despite the serious injuries, Rosie made a miraculous recovery and has rediscovered that "spring" in her step!

Michele Lampens MRCVS

Back to "Interesting Cases"

If you wish to print or save this page it is available in PDF format here