Vets and nurses at a Hexham veterinary practice have been praised for their heroic efforts in saving the life of four-year-old Border Collie, Ned, who suffered an horrific injury during a walk along the River Tyne.
Ned’s harrowing ordeal occurred when he was chasing a ball on his favourite riverside path with his owner, Marcus Klemm. In the freak accident, the beloved family pet sustained a 15-inch (40-centimeter) gash on his side, extending from his armpit up and around his ribcage to his back. The cause of the injury remains unknown, but it is suspected that a sharp branch or piece of scrap metal may have been responsible.
In a desperate attempt to stem the blood flow, Marcus quickly wrapped his fleece jacket around Ned and contacted his wife, Helen, to rush to their aid. They also called ahead to their veterinary practice, Hadrian Vets.
Upon reaching the practice, where staff were waiting at the door, fully prepared for their arrival, Ned was given strong pain relief and underwent X-rays to ensure there were no foreign objects lodged inside him. The dedicated team, led by Vet Paulina Cudzilo, head veterinary nurse Jenny Glass, and veterinary nurse Claire Kealey, performed life-saving surgery to stitch the gaping wound.
Despite going into shock from the traumatic experience, Ned demonstrated remarkable resilience. After the successful surgery, the brave blue merle collie was able to return home later that day to reunite with his grateful family in Stella, near Blaydon.
Marcus expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “The day of the accident was so traumatic, and I don’t know what we would have done without the amazing team at Hadrian Vets. They were so calm and reassuring during our time of distress, and their expertise saved Ned’s life.”
Ned’s journey to recovery didn’t end there; he returned to the veterinary practice for regular wound check-ups and had his stitches removed once his injury had fully healed. His remarkable bravery during the recovery process earned him one of Hadrian Vets’ bravery certificates, a prestigious recognition given to patients who exhibit courage while recuperating from significant injuries or treatments.
Head nurse Jenny, who had cared for Ned since he was just an eight-week-old puppy, revealed that his injury was the most severe they had ever encountered at the practice. She emphasised how fortunate Ned was, as the injury could have been life-threatening if it had penetrated his abdomen or chest.
“Ned was the bravest boy,” Jenny said with admiration. “We’ve looked after him since he was a puppy, so he is very special to the practice.”
Ned’s inspiring journey of survival and recovery serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the veterinary team at Hadrian Vets, and his story is a powerful reminder of the profound bond between humans and their beloved pets.