Chyulu’s journey

Hello, my name is Chyulu (Chew-loo) and I am a nine month old springer spaniel.
In the autumn of last year my front left leg started hurting and made me lame. My mum took me to the vet and I had to have two weeks rest with pain killers. This helped for a few days but then the pain and limp returned!
Mum took me back to the vet where I had to rest more and have pain killers for a further two weeks. The vet suggested further investigation and this meant an x-ray and a scan. The latter showed that both my elbows had a problem. I was diagnosed with a congenital condition called elbow dysplasia.
To enable me to have a good active life I needed major surgery
– A screw in both elbows
– An arthroscopy to remove a small fragment of broken bone in the left elbow joint
– The ulna bone cut in the left leg in order to
release the pressure on the joint.
Where we live the cost to do this surgery is truly eye watering! It was put to us to consider looking elsewhere and that is when we were referred to Arthurs Veterinary Specialists in Towcester near Northampton.
Two weeks before Christmas we drove to Towcester to meet Gareth Arthurs and the team.
After examination and consultation it was agreed surgery was definitely required. A week was needed to enable operative guides to be made. These make surgical procedure more accurate and easier.
A week later we returned for the surgery.
I had my surgery and I know Gareth updated Mum regularly as to how I was doing. All the team were caring and helpful, and all Mum’s pre and post operative instructions were very clear and easily understandable to help my care at home and recovery.
Last week I had my final check up with an x-ray and consultation. Gareth was pleased with progress although I do have to do more weeks of lead walks and to keep my instinct to spring around under control!
Mum says she feels comfortable and is pleased by the care and support we were given. She knows she can get in touch if she is worried about anything in my progress. She says she would happily recommend Arthur’s Veterinary Specialists to help any other animals needing veterinary care.
In our case the long journey was worth the effort to get excellent care.
Thank you Gareth Arthurs.