Zaves, the 13 year old dalmatian that’s still celebrating birthdays eight years after life-saving surgery at Linnaeus-owned DWR Veterinary Specialists in Cambridgeshire.
Lucky 13 For Dalmatian Saved By Cambridgeshire Vets
6 months ago 
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It was lucky 13 for prized dalmatian Zaves as she celebrated her birthday, almost eight years to the day that she nearly died.
A dramatic fall while chasing a rabbit saw Zaves suffer a serious ‘blast’ injury to her spine which left her vertebrae in fragments and needing life-saving surgery at Linnaeus-owned DWR Veterinary Specialists in Six Mile Bottom.
Zaves owner Ema Geddes from rural North Wales took her to her local vets who x-rayed her and suspected that her fall had caused severe damage.
Ema did some research to find an MRI scanner and that’s when she sought specialist help from DWR, which is one of the largest specialist multi-disciplinary veterinary referral centres in Europe.
Zaves had delicate spinal surgery and after five days in hospital was allowed home on all fours, albeit on a strict, six week rest and rehabilitation programme.
Eight years later Ema is still amazed at the skills and expertise of the DWR staff. Ema said: “It was one of the most difficult and stressful times of our lives.
“We chose to refer to DWR for specialist scans and orthopaedic assessments, even though it was a six hour drive.
“It was worth it as we met the neurosurgeon who reassured us that, although surgery would be required, he had confidence of a successful outcome.
“It was utter relief. We were overcome with emotion and I still cannot thank everyone at DWR enough for all of their professionalism, expertise and dedication.
“I often think of them and how thankful I am for all that they did. We owe them all a huge thank you as we know Zaves wouldn’t be here without the brilliant DWR team.
“They were exceptional in their care for Zaves pre and post-op and the neurosurgery experts were top class.
“I would definitely recommend DWR, without hesitation, and I have been recommending them for years.”
Ema has even written to DWR recently to repeat her gratitude for their outstanding care and the vets have shared Zaves story on their website.
Simon Tappin, clinical director at DWR Veterinary Specialists, said: “It is a memorable case and it’s so rewarding to hear of Zaves celebrating her 13th birthday.
“She was certainly in serious trouble when she arrived at DWR all those years ago.
“Our neurology team undertook a number of different types of scans which revealed that she had three broken thoracic vertebrae.
“Luckily her spinal cord was still intact and we reassured the owner that we could operate to fix the problem.
“Five days after the spinal surgery Zaves was allowed home and her owners were so pleased to see her, and she to see them.
“She had a little sling under her body supporting her rear end but she was wagging her tail and moving her legs. The owners couldn’t believe she was supporting her own weight on all four legs.
“Over the next six weeks, under the care of her owners, Zaves had to learn to walk again, but as they lived on the coast, they could do their own form of hydrotherapy by swimming in the sea with her regularly.
“After three months she had made a full recovery and was happily running around on land again.
“Her owners said that, apart from a slightly odd back leg walk and a huge scar down her back, she has been in great health all these years. We couldn’t be more delighted.”
DWR Veterinary Specialists offers specialist-led care in anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiothoracic surgery, dentistry, cardiology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, diagnostic pathology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, interventional radiology, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopaedics, physiotherapy and soft tissue surgery.
For more information on DWR Veterinary Specialists, its outstanding levels of clinical care and state-of-the-art facilities, visit: https://www.dickwhitereferrals.com
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