Randal's Story
Randal
“We are thrilled that Randal has been given a Braveheart award. We are so pleased that others have seen what a remarkable dog he is, and yes, he is a greyhound, but actually very brave - not something usually associated with the breed.
Randal's throat, neck and tongue's swelling remains a complete mystery to us. We have no idea at all what caused it. All we do know is that if it hadn't been for the swift actions of our vet,Tiekie and the subsequent actions taken by the vets at Grove Lodge, Randal certainly wouldn't be with us today. We can't thank you enough for the care he was given whilst hospitalised with you.
You will all be pleased to know that Randal is making great strides in his recovery with increased weight gain, increased stamina and generally getting back to his old perky self.
We have only had Randal for 2 years, and don't really know his age, but it feels like we have known him forever.At least now he has a chance of being part of our family for some time to come.” - The Jacobs Family
Profile
Randal had been anaesthetised by his own vet to investigate a sudden swelling in his throat. His vet noticed bruising and swelling in his mouth and throat, but when they tried to wake Randal from his anaesthetic, he couldn't breathe for himself.They contacted us immediately to see if we could help and sent him straight round. He was seen by Nicola Bromley, senior hospital vet and medicine certificate holder, as an emergency.
Randal was semi-anaesthetised for the trip to the hospital. He was thoroughly assessed, using an endoscope, to determine the full extent of the trauma.The laryngeal area was so swollen, that without an endotracheal tube (a tube down the windpipe) Randal couldn't breathe. Senior surgeon, Mark Pertwee, placed a tracheostomy tube (a tube directly into the windpipe) to provide an airway for Randal while the swelling subsided.
Maintaining a tracheostomy tube is very labour intensive and Randal needed constant 24 hour, one-to-one nursing to monitor his tube to ensure that it did not obstruct. Grove Lodge's dedicated nursing team all pulled together, and after 72 hours the swelling had subsided enough to remove the tube and allow him to breathe normally. Randal was discharged from the hospital on day four, breathing normally with minimal swelling. Throughout his stay Randal was very brave and didn't complain at any point.The nursing team were delighted with his progress and we are all proud to have played such an important part in saving this lovely dog's life.