Dog Hit By Car In Terrible Accident

I had just started afternoon consults on Wednesday when I heard a commotion in reception and a person crying that their dog had just been run over by a car.

The client was carrying his dog who was screaming in pain and bleeding all over his jacket. The dog is called Loopy and she is an 18month old Jack Russel Terrier.
Loopy had an open fracture and complete dislocation of her left ankle joint and she was bleeding from wounds in her groin. I immediately put her on a drip, gave her a sedative and painkiller and bandaged her broken leg. I took xrays of her chest and abdomen and fortunately she hadn't sustained any obvious internal injuries.

A few days on I'm glad to report that Loopy is doing well! Unfortunately she had to have her left hind limb amputated but young, small dogs cope very well on three legs.

I hear you asking- 'How did she get run over in the first place?'
Well, she was off the lead in the park but started to run after something and out into the road where a car was unable to stop in time. A terrible accident and upsetting for all involved.
One very important lesson to learn from this, is that, until you have COMPLETELY MASTERED RECALL, DON'T LET YOUR DOG OFF THE LEAD ANYWHERE NEAR ROADS. This is especially important with breeds likely to get 'tunnel vision' when on the chase.

My own Jack Russel, Dixie, spent EIGHT MONTHS on the lead until we were confident of her recall. Even now, I get her on the lead again when we are anywhere near roads because just one squirrel is enough of a distraction.

Another important lesson is to make sure you have insurance for your pet, to reduce the worry over the financial implications of emergencies if they should arise.

Lets hope I don't have any more pets involved in road traffic accidents next week.....