For Emergencies:
The beautiful Hazel!
Hazel is usually an active outdoor cat but she came home one night and her owner instantly knew something was not right. Hazel presented to Emma, one of our orthopaedic surgeons, as she was unable to walk normally on her hind limbs.
Emma performed a CT scan which showed that Hazel had sustained multiple pelvic fractures, presumed to be from a road traffic accident, with the most significant of these being bilateral sacroiliac luxations. This is where the pelvis attaches onto the vertebrae and is important as without this attachment the pelvis becomes quite unstable.
Bridge Referrals Fluoroscopy Machine
Treatment involves drilling screws across the pelvis and into the sacrum (sacroiliac screws) to re-stabilise the pelvis. Here at Bridge Referrals, we are fortunate to have access to fluoroscopy which is intraoperative imaging and this is invaluable in these cases as it allows our surgeons to place these screws in a minimally invasive way and ensure that these are guided through the sacrum safely. This has the benefit of a much quicker recovery for the patient and less pain than the standard open surgical technique.
Hazel therefore had bilateral fluoroscopically guided sacroilac screws placed and the following day after surgery she was instantly more comfortable and was back up and walking on her legs again. She had 6 weeks of cage rest at home with her owner and then repeat radiographs showed everything to be healing well, so she was allowed 6 weeks of room rest prior to return to normal activity.
6 week post-operative radiographs
Hazel’s case is a wonderful example of how advanced imaging, orthopaedic care, and careful post-operative management can make a life-changing difference. She was an absolute star throughout her treatment and recovery — and she certainly deserved her little treat upon discharge. It was very well earned.
A very happy Hazel enjoying her treats!
We’re delighted to see Hazel back on her feet and wish her many more happy, adventurous days ahead! 💚💙
