A Boston Terrier is back to her energetic best after undergoing major spinal surgery at a small animal hospitals in Milnthorpe.

Six-year-old Bella was born with severe curvature of the spine and other spinal complications which had started to impact her mobility and ability to use her hind legs.

She was referred by her vets to Linnaeus-owned Kentdale Referrals - considered to be one of the UK’s leading small animal hospitals. 

European specialists Gemma Holloway and Jan Beranek used state-of-the-art technology to stabilise Bella’s vertebrae and give her a new lease of life.

An MRI scan revealed severe thoracic kyphosis (severe curve in middle of back), spinal canal narrowing, spinal cord flattening, signal changes and formation of a subarachnoid cyst (brain cyst).

The specialists first operated on Bella’s airways as she was also suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which was restricting her breathing and posed a threat under anaesthetic.

The Westmorland Gazette: Bella is now a 'whole new dog'Gemma said: "Bella came through surgery very well and then began physiotherapy and hydrotherapy rehabilitation to maximise her recovery.

"Her post-operative check eight weeks after surgery was very positive, with Bella’s owner reporting she was wanting to walk for longer than she did pre-op and was overall bright and energetic."

Owner Chloe Dove, from Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, said she was initially shocked to learn the full extent of Bella’s problems but is delighted her beloved pet has made such a good recovery.

Chloe said: "Bella is like a whole new dog. She’s so much happier in herself, back to wanting to walk for miles, eager to play and is comfortable in day-to-day life.

"We’d always known about the arch in Bella’s back right from when she was a puppy but it was a friend who noticed Bella had started weight shifting on her back right foot.

"We thought it was maybe to do with a fall but when the vets examined her and explained the problems my first reaction was one of shock.

"That quickly turned into realisation as all the information given to us by the vets made sense considering Bella’s symptoms and her arched back.

The Westmorland Gazette: Chloe and husband Adam with beloved pet Bella on their wedding day."I was really concerned, mainly about the amount of pain Bella had been living with, and about her recovery after the spinal operation, as she’s very energetic and excitable.

"Kentdale were fantastic from the start and I’d absolutely recommend them.

“We have both been treated with kindness, respect and empathy."