Dogs’ electric shock on line
VETS had to amputate a dog’s tail after it received a massive electric shock on a railway track.
Marmalade, an English Setter, also lost two digits on his right forelimb and suffered head trauma and a fractured spine after becoming stuck on the line with sister Bertha.
The pair became trapped on the track near Formby through no fault of their owners.
Both were treated for shock and pain after being rushed for emergency care at Rufford Vets in Southport and were then given intravenous fluid.
Blood tests revealed the’d both suffered electrocution while on the tracks and radiographs were taken the next day to assess them.
Marmalade’s were described by the vets as “serious and extensive” and, on examination, it was clear he had head trauma as there was blood from his nostrils and eyes. As well as this, his right forelimb was severed to the extent where two of his digits injuries were missing A spokesman for Rufford Vets said: “After a couple of days of further stabilisation, Marmalade was well enough for surgery. The veterinary surgeon amputated Marmalade’s tail and conducted reconstructive surgery on his forelimb. The surgery was successful and he recovered well.”
Bertha fortunately only had injuries relating to her left forelimb. Possible nerve damage was diagnosed as she was struggling to use the limb but there were no fractures present on the radiographs. Medication and rest was provided and Bertha was sent home a couple of days later.
Marmalade was kept in for a number of days to receive pain relief and to allow the vets to monitoring his eating, drinking, urine, and bowel movements and ensure he was well enough to go home.
He was later sent home and is still being seen at the vets for regular checks including dressing changes while the limb heals, re-checking of his blood results to monitor for internal damage and further radiographs to monitor his progress.