Buddy Road To Recovery Following A Collision With A Car

Buddy a 1-year 7-month male entire crossbreed was involved in a serious collision with a car which left him with a fracture to his right hindlimb, a re-filling pneumothorax (air in the chest), tail fracture and minor bladder rupture.

Buddy underwent thorough investigation’s to include a full blood screen, abdominal ultrasound scan and CT scan. The CT scan identified a pneumothorax, bruising to the lungs, bruising to the liver and an open fracture of his tibia and fibula in his right hindlimb and fracture to his tail. Bi-lateral chest drains were placed to provide immediate comfort to Buddy and aid the draining of the air from his chest. Open fracture management was started which involved daily flushing and dressing of the leg.

Buddy underwent fracture repair to his right hindlimb in which a plate and a positional screw were placed to align and stabilise the bones in his leg. Radiographs were taken following the surgery which confirmed good apposition of the fracture edges. Buddy also underwent a caudectomy (removal of his tail).

Unfortunately Buddy’s fracture wound broke down. A swab was taken which identified a pseudomonas (bacterial) infection so intensive wound management to include daily flushing, Manuka honey gauze application and dressing changes was commenced alongside antibiotic therapy.

Unfortunately the infection progressed and a multi-drug resistant pseudomonas (bacterial) infection became present which meant that Buddy had to be hospitalised for strong intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Unfortunately re-assessment of the limb showed a continued instability and a femoral amputation of the leg was performed. Buddy had an uneventful recovery and Buddy is now mobilising well on three limbs.