Local vet goes the extra mile to save rescue pup’s leg!

A calm composure, steady hands and years of wisdom guided Doctor Michael Sutton, a local veterinarian, during a rare, but not uncommon, surgery on Wednesday, February 1.

Who was the patient? A lucky girl named Betty Bob who was surrendered to Mama Kasi’s care after her owner noticed she had sustained an injury to her left hind leg, which was allegedly been hit by a car a few days prior.

Upon further investigation, Dr Michael noted that the injury on the eight month old black and white pup was more than three weeks old.

“On the X-ray it can be noted that her body was trying to heal itself,” he explained. During the surgery Dr Michael encountered an unforeseen complication, but with perseverance and quick thinking he was able to fix the leg.

To explain the surgery in lay man’s terms, Dr Michael gave Betty Bob a sedative and anesthetic before his right-hand man, Jacob, assisted with shaving the leg in question and sanitising the area.

The goal of the surgery was to place a plate and screws in the leg, thereby realigning the femur bones and giving them the correct structure to heal.

He opened the leg, and while locating the fractured bone, noticed a massive amount of hardened connective tissue around the bone.

Momentarily stunned by the discovery, Dr Michael metaphorically rolled up his sleeves, rolled his shoulders and “jumped” back in with renewed determination. Betty Bob was going to get her leg back.

With the assistance of his fellow veterinarians, Dr Michael was able to remove the tissue, place the plate and screws and close the incision site. The surgery was a success, Betty was X-rayed to confirm the correct placement of the plate and thereafter she was snuggled up in her cage, recovering from surgery.

This orthopedic procedure is not uncommon, but does carry a hefty weight financially, which in turn means pet owners sometimes opt for the cheaper choice – amputation or euthanasia.

“This case was definitely a lot more complicated than the average orthopedic surgery, as the fractured bones were encapsulated with connective tissue,” Dr Michael explained, “where a normal surgery would’ve taken about an hour, this one took two and a half.”

Dr Michael, 31, has been a vet at the Muldersdrift Animal Clinic for almost seven years, after graduating at Onderstepoort. “We desperately need more vets in South Africa,” exclaimed Michael while discussing the veterinary industry.

While checking up on Betty Bob post op, he explained that one of the hardest parts of working as a veterinarian is when the pet owners are unable to afford basic health care for their animals.

“One of the things that really breaks my spirit is when owners come to me and try to guilt trip me to lower the costs of care. We need to be able to fund our practice, buy consumables and equipment; our fees are not exorbitant – they are there to ensure your pet gets the best possible vet care we can provide,” he elaborated.

Betty will be on strict cage rest for four weeks, where after her leg will be X-rayed and the rest of her recovery plan will be determined.

“Another thing I can’t stress enough is that when we tell pet owners to follow certain protocols or procedures post op, we mean it. If, for example, Betty here tries to walk on her leg, she might just cause an implant failure which will very likely ruin any chances of her leg being function [which could mean an amputation will be necessary],” Dr Michael emphasised that owner compliance is very important.

Betty Bob is up for adoption and can’t wait to meet her forever family. Throughout all the pain and suffering she has experienced in her short life, Betty showers her visitors with love and attention. She deserves a loving home where she can heal and recover, living a long and happy life.

READ MORE: Mama Kasi at the heart of the Drift community

To find out more about Betty Bob or to donate towards her care, contact Helga Tsoumbris at 082 333 8431.