CHRISTMAS has come early for one family after vets saved the life of their much-loved pet, Buddy.
The Harrison family, from Earlswood, had been given the devastating news that Buddy, their 14-year- old rescue dog, had prostate cancer in July.
However, experts at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, a state-of- the-art veterinary practice in Solihull, suggested a course of drug treatment, instead of surgery, which has reduced the size of the prostate and given the Labrador Retriever a new lease of life.
Amy Knapman, from the Primary Care Team at Willows, led Buddy’s treatment.
She said: “Poor Buddy came in to see us with a high temperature and pain in his abdomen.
“An ultrasound scan was performed by one of our radiologists who was very concerned about the appearance of his prostate gland and suspected the changes reflected a cancerous growth.
“We recommended trialling treatment with anti-inflammatory medication to, hopefully, alleviate some of his symptoms.
“We – and the Harrisons – were delighted to find the medication resolved Buddy’s symptoms.
“The treatment is palliative but he is at least now able to enjoy a happy life back at home.”
Buddy’s owner Fiona Harrison said: “It was a very sad time for us as he is such a big part of the family.
“We were at a point when we thought we were saying goodbye to Buddy, then the specialists at Willows suggested a different course of drugs.
“He’s gone from being unable to even wag his tail to enjoying his life again.
“Amy and the team at Willows were wonderful.
“They explained everything very carefully and diplomatically and it was very reassuring to know Buddy was in such good hands.”
Fiona’s love of dogs does not end with Buddy.
She also works with Romanian rescue organisation A Dog’s Life, which is currently seeking support to move two homeless puppies called Autumn and Summer to the UK.
Fiona said: “There are tens of thousands of stray dogs in Romania.
“We are desperately hoping to raise enough money to transport Autumn and Summer here to find them a home this month.”
If you can help, visit: www.gofundme.com/saving-autumn- summer-from-winter.
