A YORKSHIRE terrier facing the bleak outlook of having a brain tumour is scampering around again after x-rays revealed a needle embedded in his spine.
The three-inch steel needle had left 13 year old Toby displaying the worrying signs of a deadly brain disease. He was struggling with neck pain and having difficulties walking as well as showing signs of seizures. Toby’s worried owner rushed him to the vets whose initial suspicions that he had a tumour were confirmed by an X-ray.
These remarkable images demonstrate how the needle had passed through Toby’s neck and pierced the spinal cord dangerously close to his brain.
For Toby, the discovery of the needle, with its thread still attached, meant undergoing emergency specialised veterinary treatment at the University of Edinburgh's Hospital for Small Animals at the Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies.
After undergoing a CT scan to ensure the needle had not caused serious damage to the spine, Toby was admitted so that vets using state of the art technology could carry out intricate surgery.
By focussing on his neck with specialist X-ray equipment to provide real-time images, the operating team were able to remove the needle without having to resort to invasive procedures.
Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”
Weeks after having surgery, Toby is back walking and running normally, but how he managed to get the potentially deadly needle lodged in his spine remains a mystery.
Vets suspect Toby could either have swallowed the needle or somehow laid his head on it.
Toby’s relieved owner Alexander Jamieson, from Beauly, near Inverness, said: “We feel that without the help of the experts in Edinburgh, Toby would not be here today.
"The care and attention he got was out of this world and we are delighted to see him back to his old self.”
Senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh's Hospital for Small Animals at the Royal School for Veterinary Studies Samantha Woods, along with senior clinical training scholar in small animal surgery Jessica McCarthy, are both delighted with Toby’s recovery.
Ms Woods said: “We are really pleased to see Toby back to full health, thanks to the combined efforts of his vets and our specialist teams here in Edinburgh.”