Spike's Story
Spike
“We have had Spike since he was 3months old. He was a present for our daughter Megan's third birthday. On Boxing Day 2007, Spike was knocked down by a van. He managed to get home, climb on the conservatory roof and into the house by a small window on the first floor. He collapsed in the lounge where we found him next day and took him to Grove Lodge. Spike's front paw was crushed and although every effort was made to save the leg, it was amputated a week later. He also underwent three major operations to repair two hernias and the ligaments in his back leg. His recovery has been a long and traumatic experience, but his courage and resilience has been remarkable. He is now at home and undergoing physiotherapy.
We would like to thank everybody at Grove Lodge for their care, concern and professionalism.Without them our supercat would not be here today.”
Profile
Spike was admitted to our hospital with severe injuries following a road traffic accident. His right foreleg was badly damaged and infected, and he needed immediate emergency treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Unfortunately, the blood supply to the leg was irreversibly damaged and his leg had to be amputated soon afterwards. However, Spike also had other injuries. There were two large hernias (tears in the muscle), in his abdominal wall which required extensive surgery to repair.There was also some damage to the ligaments of his right hock (ankle). This meant that he had to have pins and bars placed in his right leg to keep the joint immobile whilst the ligament healed. Spike needed lots of intensive care between his various operations, including pain control, fluid therapy and physiotherapy.
Spike was hospitalised for just under three weeks and needed help from all the teams at the practice, including the surgeons, Mark and Jane, the ward vets Nicola and Kathy, the dedicated nurses and our physiotherapist Julia Martin, who assisted Spike with his rehabilitation. Many cats would not have coped with the amount of pain that Spike endured, but he dealt with everything very bravely and remained good natured and a pleasure to treat throughout his stay.
Physiotherapy and rehabititation
Spike was referred for physiotherapy after extensive surgery. He was having extreme difficulty in standing or even sitting, so it was very important to encourage him to rebuild good levels of function, balance and confidence using precisely graded physiotherapy techniques.
Spike
Grove Lodge is a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to achieving the best possible recovery for their patients, the medical, surgical, nursing and physiotherapy staff all working closely together. Spike's recovery is a very special example of that team work. Nicola Bromley, the referring vet, ensured Spike started physio as early as possible, allowing me to build a rapport and level of trust before the intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation to follow.
Since Spike's discharge from hospital, his wonderfully supportive owners have been a significant part of his treatment, carrying out home management techniques to continue his rehabilitation.Together, we develop Spike's treatment in tune with his recovery.
It never ceases to amaze me just how brave animals can be in times of injury and distress, and Spike is no exception - also teaching us an important lesson in recognising just how much our pets mean to us. - Julia Martin MCSP Chartered Animal Physiotherapist Category A Member ACPAT
01903 234866
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