Sadness, anger but hope for a brighter future

Sleeping off his Anaesthetic - warm, safe and loved

Yesterday Clark spent the day in hospital in the capable hands of Rachael, one of our wonderful vets. He was booked in to be scanned, have x-rays, contrast x-rays, and possibly any treatment or operation that could help his incontinence issues.

The day dawned bright and poor Clark was not allowed any breakfast but did enjoy a lovely walk around the lanes and field first thing. Our appointment for admission was booked for 9am so we set off down to Falmouth at around 8.45am. He is a lovely traveller and is now hopping up in to the boot of his own accord and settling down for the journey quickly and quietly. 

We arrived and our Head Nurse whisked us in to go through the admission form and get Clark settled in his kennel. He was, as always, happy to see everyone and I soon left him in their excellent care. Rachael intended to start with a scan and proceed from there later that morning.

She set to work on him and he was a big baby having his catheter fitted, crying but was soon happily snoozing and oblivious to all around him once the Anaesthetic took hold. Her scans showed that his bladder looked normal, no stones shown and it didn't appear to have any abnormalities which was very positive news. Bearing this in mind she then went on to do some x-rays of his rear end again checking for stones or damage as with the scan. 

There she was dismayed to find something none of us had expected to see........ Clark has suffered a severe fracture to his pelvis. This may, or may not, have contributed to his bladder problems but it is significant as based on the damage it is highly likely that it was caused by a very hard kick from behind.  Dear, sweet, gentle Clark has probably been abused in the most awful way whilst in Spain and as such has suffered considerable pain, not to mention fear.  

Rachael, Helena, and Siobhan, three of our most highly skilled vets at our practice,  have reviewed the x-rays and all agree that the fracture was unexpected bearing in mind he doesn't limp but that the stiffness, hesitancy he has and his muscle wastage have probably stemmed from this awful damage. Thankfully both his hip joints have not been badly damaged and therefore both are working OK at present. As he ages we may find that he develops Arthritis due to the damage he has suffered and we shall have to keep a close eye on his movement and pain levels. He will need gentle exercise from now on and we shall be investigating the possibility of hydrotherapy for him and physiotherapy too.  Sadly no agility for dear Clarkyboy but we can give him plenty of fun with gentle walks and swims. 

After discussions yesterday lunchtime Rachael and I agreed not to go ahead with the contrast x-rays as the damage was obvious from the fracture and the bladder scans and x-rays had led her to believe she would not achieve a better view by using the contrast dyes. Rachael believes that the mostly likely cause of the leakage is nerve damage which may have been caused by either the broken pelvis, the bladder ruptures or even possibly when he was castrated.

With regard to the nerve damage, Rachael has suggested she speak to a neurologist with the hope that some treatments or medications may be available to improve the leaking further as Propalin is helping but hasn't eradicated the leakage at night. When we have further information on this aspect of his care I will update you. 

Abuse is rife in Spain and it is no surprise to find poor Clark has been mistreated as many many animals over there are but the damage is extensive and as such we have all been horrified at what this dear sweet boy has been subjected to. The only saving grace is he is here now - safe, loved, cared for and ultimately will never be subjected to such horrors again.   

I am sure you will all be horrified to hear this awful news.... rest assured he will continue to receive the best possible treatment with Rosemullion Vets, through the commitment of Terrier SOS and with us here at home.

No wonder he looked so sad in Spain

Signing off now - sad, angry at Spanish brutality, and glad Clark found his way to Cornwall via the wonderful Terrier SOS and their commitment to these 'trash' dogs of Spain. He would be dead now without their agreement to bring him here to the UK!