Freddie had suffered a comminuted fracture
Release: Cocker Spaniel Cheats Death After Horror Road Accident
2 months ago 
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A young Cocker Spaniel named Freddie is now living life to the full — after being on the brink of being put to sleep after a devastating road accident.
Nine month old Freddie was rushed to a local veterinary clinic after being hit by a car. Local vet X-rays revealed a complex fracture to his right femur and his owner, overwhelmed by the severity of the injury, made the heartbreaking decision not to pursue treatment - instead requesting euthanasia.
Freddie’s gentle nature and bright spirit shone through, even though he was in pain. The local veterinary team saw something special in him and refused to give up. With their support, Freddie was signed over to Barn Animal Rescue Newtownards (The BARN), 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 next morning he was referred to Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists (NiVS) 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. Post-operative scans showed excellent alignment and positioning.
Freddie’s recovery began under the 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.
He 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 exceptional. At his follow-up appointment, Freddie showed near-complete healing and was pain-free. He has now been officially adopted into a new home and today is enjoying a normal, active life.
“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.”
Andrew Burns concluded: “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.”
Established in 2019, Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists, was Northern Irelands very first multidisciplinary Specialist small animal referral hospital. Over the years, NiVS has added to its services and now offers specialist led Internal Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Soft Tissue Surgery, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology along with Out Patient Digital Imaging and continues to boast the only Cardiology Specialist service on the island of Ireland. For more information you can find us on Face Book, Instagram and LinkedIn or please visit www.nivetspecialists.co.uk.
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