Border collie more energetic than ever following lifesaving treatment

Two-year-old Skye was referred to Linnaeus-owned Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS) in Sutton Weaver, one of the north west’s leading animal hospitals.

She required specialist medical help after becoming lethargic and losing her appetite, as well as having an increased respiratory rate and cough.

Owner Alistair Arnott, from Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria took her to the local vets, who quickly diagnosed that her lungs were not performing properly and that aspiration pneumonia and pneumothorax might be responsible.

They started treatment, including antibiotic therapy before Skye was then referred to NWVS because they had the diagnostic tools to reveal where and how much was in the chest cavity.

Francesca Venier, internal medicine specialist at NWVS, said: “Skye was very poorly with one of the worst cases of pneumonia we’ve seen.”

“A CT scan showed severe pneumothorax which had been caused by pneumonia damaging her lungs and causing air to leak from them.

“We quickly placed a chest drain to allow drainage of air and fluid from her chest, as well as starting intravenous antibiotic therapy.

“Shortly after being started on this treatment, Skye became brighter and her appetite improved. Her personality started to show and she became interested in receiving cuddles from the staff and playing with toys.”

Mr Arnott said: “I was astonished when I learnt of the diagnosis as Skye is young and full of energy. I felt awful, worried and upset for Skye.  

“I was warned from the start that a successful recovery doesn’t always happen.

“However, Skye received the best treatment and a special thanks goes to Francesca and the team at NWVS.

“Following her treatment, Skye’s quality of life is as good as it was before her illness.  Her recovery has been incredible and she climbed various fells in the Lake District less than two months after discharge without appearing under any distress, or to be out of breath.”