RSPCA provide update on staffie-cross puppy Gizzy after major life-saving operation
A puppy who was left with two broken legs after she was involved in a road traffic accident is now on the road to recovery following a major life-saving operation by the RSPCA.
Five-month old Staffie-cross Gizzy was rescued by RSPCA inspector Jess Pierce in September after she was taken to a vet’s in Manchester with two broken legs by her owner who couldn’t afford her treatment and no longer wanted her.
Jess rushed injured Gizzy who was in severe pain and unable to walk to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where she underwent a five-hour operation to pin back together broken bones in two of her legs.
Christine Pye, a vet surgeon at the animal hospital in Salford, worked with a team to give Gizzy the chance to walk again, as they painstakingly inserted metal rods and plates into both broken legs to help the bones fuse back together.
She then spent 10 days at the hospital where she had pain relief and crate rest to allow her body to recover until X-rays revealed the surgery was successful.
Christine said it was the first time she had carried out this kind of surgery on two legs and said the treatment, if carried out privately, would have cost more than £5,000 for the operation alone.
She said: “It was a complex operation but without it Gizzy would not have been able to walk and this bouncy five month-old pup with her whole life ahead of her needed to be able to be saved so we were determined to give her the best possible chance of a normal life.”
RSPCA Southport, Ormskirt and District Branch
Gizzy was still weak from her operation and life in kennels would not be the best place for the pup to recover so she was taken into foster care by Anne Mitchell, animal care assistant and the RSPCA Southport, Ormskirt and District Branch.
The poorly pup, is growing stronger each day thanks to tender loving care and physiotherapy including hydrotherapy sessions to build up her fragile leg muscles without putting a strain on the rest of her body.
Hydrotherapy
Anne said: “We have started a course of hydrotherapy which she took in her stride and it is helping get her movement back in her legs and strengthening them.
“She found comfort in the safe space of her crate and she soon settled and gained confidence making friends with my dogs Becky and Daisy.”
She added: “She has come on in leaps and bounds and is affectionate, friendly and enjoys interacting with familiar people. She soon warms up to strangers when introduced slowly.
“She is doing so well we were able to spend some time at the beach for the first time. She is still recovering but once she is fully fit she is going to be a lovely companion for any potential adopter.”
The animal rescue charity is highlighting the story of Gizzy and how her life was changed around so positively as new figures reveal that animal neglect reports are at a five year high with reports rising by 28 per cent last year with 17 reports of neglect coming in every hour the cruelty line is open.
And with charity rescuers braced for a further surge in reports over the Winter months, the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal - The Big Give Back to Animals - in the hope of raising vital funds for its frontline officers.
Inspector Pierce, who helped Gizzy initially, added: “I am delighted to see Gizzy is doing so well.
“Her severe injuries were such a worry, I didn't know if we’d be able to save her but I knew we would try our absolute best.
“I am so grateful to the expert vet team at the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital who literally helped Gizzy get back on her paws again.”