A Worcester-based veterinary surgery has helped a working dog to recover from lameness.
Basil, a five-year-old Korthals Griffon, has found his footing again after Brentknoll Veterinary Centre's diligent care.
Previously suffering from severe pain and lameness in both forelegs, Basil is now once again enjoying a pain-free life.
Basil's owner and clinical nurse manager at Brentknoll, Rhi Cartwright, first noticed the problem in November.
Basil quickly became almost completely lame in his right foreleg and was in severe pain.
Worry soon increased when similar issues were noticed in his left foreleg.
Ms Cartwright brought Basil to her colleague, clinical director Rikki Burford, who discovered tendinopathy, a type of repetitive strain injury that significantly impacts sporting or working dogs.
Ms Burford said: "Basil was suffering lameness in both forelegs so we carried out a CT scan and an ultrasound examination to highlight the problem.
"The images helped us to identify that he was suffering from a painful condition called tendinopathy.
"To combat this, we organised laser therapy treatment to target the problem areas and physiotherapy and manipulation to ease the pain and the lameness.
"We analysed Basil’s stance and movement and devised an exercise plan for him, including walking on a treadmill and navigating an activity course complete with wobble boards, cushions and mini jumps to aid his mobility."
Following just a few sessions, Ms Burford reported "good improvement", with ongoing treatment planned to steadily maintain Basil's progress.
Ms Cartwright said: "I have been a vet nurse since 2009 and this is the first case of this type that I’ve ever encountered.
"But Rikki and the team were really good, telling us everything we needed to know and listening to our concerns.
"The good news was that there was a non-surgical remedy and Basil soon started having laser therapy and physiotherapy and began an exercise plan."
"It’s taken a few months of care and treatment but Basil’s perfect again now.
"We put the problem down to wear and tear in his tendons caused by his field trials.
"We might have to retire him to protect him from any further damage."
For further details about Brentknoll, visit www.worcestervets.co.uk or search 'Brentknoll Veterinary Centre' on social media.
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