Bertie

Bertie, the 12 year-old spaniel, is the faithful canine companion of Susan (Surgical Resident) and a much loved part of the Fitzpatrick family as he comes to work with Susan every day.

Bertie out and about

Bertie started to slow down and it was clear something was wrong with this usually spritely old man. Susan tasked the management of Bertie to Noel. But when Noel investigated, he discovered that Bertie had damaged both his cruciate ligaments and had advanced arthritis in both his knees.  Added to that, a spinal problem meant that even if Noel could fix Bertie’s legs, there was a risk that Bertie would still be in pain from a diseased disc in his back.

Susan had to make the agonizing decision into whether or not to put her old and beloved dog through a difficult procedure that may or may not work. Calling on her years of experience she decided to entrust Bertie’s future to Noel’s hands. Noel carried surgery on Bertie to repair his damaged cruciate ligaments.

Bertie at home

Bertie bounced back after surgery and with intensive rehabilitation he was back to his old self within a few weeks. It is always difficult committing to surgery in an older animal. However age is not a disease and Bertie is a testament to how well patients can bounce back from invasive surgery if they are given the correct care and rehabilitation.