Patient Stories
Real Stories, Remarkable Recoveries & Happy Tails from Our Patients
Every pet has a story, and we’re privileged to be part of many of them. From life-saving emergency procedures to remarkable recoveries and heartwarming moments, our Patient Stories showcase the wonderful animals we care for and the dedication of our veterinary team. Read about some of our patients’ journeys and celebrate their happy endings with us.
Derek's Story
Derek is a 2 and a half year old Labrador who enjoys hiking in the mountains with his mum, sleeping and eating!
Derek is a superstar who donated blood for another patient who required a life saving transfusion. Thank you to our lovely student veterinary nurse Evie who promptly brought her pet Derek in to give blood.
If you are interested in donating your pets blood, check out the pet blood bank website at www.petbloodbankuk.org
for further information.
The donating criteria for pets:
- Must be fit and healthy
- Between one and eight years old
- Fully vaccinated
- Weigh more than 25kg
- Not on any medication
- Have never travelled outside of the UK and Ireland
Birdie's story
Birdie is a 2 year old Cocker Spaniel who enjoys outside adventures with her owner.
Birdie tucked into a delicious hot cross bun, however they contained raisins which are highly toxic to dogs, and can result in kidney failure even in small amounts.
Birdie’s owner, one of our vets, had quickly noticed and promptly induced vomiting at the surgery to remove the toxicity from her stomach before it caused an effect. If your pet ingests raisins or sultanas – seek veterinary assistance urgently.
Birdie has made a full recovery!
Millie's story
Millie is a 4 year old Boxador who enjoys her walking adventures and going to doggy daycare.
Millie had been experiencing abdominal pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and excessive thirst after being in season a few weeks previously.
As Millie hadn’t been herself, a visit to the vets followed by an ultrasound scan confirmed a Pyometra.
A Pyometra is an infection of the uterus seen in entire bitches. The cause can be as hormonal changes occur after the heat cycle, allowing bacteria to enter the uterus and causes pus to fill inside.
Surgery is necessary for treating a Pyometra. If left untreated, there is a risk of a rupture, and the dog can become seriously unwell.
A successful surgical removal has taken place, and Millie has made a full recovery!
Jess' story
Jess is an 11 year old labrador who enjoys going to the beach with her owners.
Jess presented to us for a mammary mass removal, however upon investigations, a tumour was identified on her spleen.
Jess received a high risk surgery to remove the spleen, and took some time to recover. Jess was very brave throughout her time at Wern Vets.
Jess is recovering nicely at home!
Albus's story
Albus is a 2 year old Bernedoodle.
Albus presented to us not feeling great, with heavy panting, a distended tummy, abdominal pain and discomfort.
On examination, concerns were raised about a GDV, known as a Gastric Dilation Volvulus. A life threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas, resulting in a stomach twist. Radiographs confirmed this.
Emergency surgery took place to attempt removing the stubborn gas remaining inside the gut, followed by a gastropexy, which is a procedure that permanently sutures and tacks the stomach to the wall, limiting ability to twist again in future.
We’re pleased to hear that Albus has recovered well and is feeling much better in himself.
Digby's story
Meet Digby, a 7 year old Cocker Spaniel who enjoys adventures and swimming with his owner.
Digby presented to us with blood in his urine, however well in himself otherwise.
Upon investigations testing his urine, further investigations including imaging and blood testing took place to identify the cause of his urinary issues.
Digby had a cyst on his prostate, which required treatment.
Digby is recovering nicely at home.
Lila's story
Lila is a healthy three year old Spaniel who loves a treat. She enjoyed her treat so much that she had managed to push it over her lower jaw.
Lila was brought to us promptly, the treat was successfully removed under general anaesthetic with no further injuries!
Lila has made a full recovery and takes care when enjoying meaty treats.
When providing pets with treats such as bones, ensure to supervise your pet and choose a suitable size to minimize risks of injury and blockages. Avoid cooked bones where possible.
Loli's story
Loli is a happy three year old cat who enjoys spending her time in nature.
Loli shown signs of discomfort, including persistent sneezing, shaking her head and occasional nose bleeds. Loli seemed to be attempting to clear her throat in which she struggled to relieve herself.
After investigating, we discovered that Loli had a blade of grass trapped inside her nasopharynx which we were able to retrieve and Loli has made a full recovery!
Scout's story
Scout is an 8 year old Spaniel, who loves outdoor exploring!
During a walk in the fields, Scout ingested Maize from the inside of a corn, which had become stuck inside the gut. Scout required surgery to retrieve the foreign body, and has made a full recovery!
If your pet ingests a foreign body, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. A foreign body ingestion can be life threatening as obstruction can occur.
Symptoms of foreign body ingestion includes:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting (frequent or intermittent)
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort/pain
- Bloating
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy and dehydration
- Pawing at the mouth
- Behavioural symptoms (agitation, restlessness, unusual whining)
If in doubt, seek veterinary advice to discuss concerns.