GREENACRES RESCUE
In a startling turn of events, Ariel, the canine adorned with a sextet of limbs and discovered forsaken in a supermarket's parking expanse, has undergone surgical intervention to divest her of her supernumerary appendages.
Merely 11 weeks into her journey of life, this spaniel breed became a sensational topic after her abandonment adjacent to a B&M outlet in Pembrokeshire during September's waning days.
A global consortium of compassionate individuals rallied, amassing approximately £15,000, thereby facilitating a transformative surgical procedure for her.
Surgeon Aaron Lutchman triumphed in preserving all quartet of her functional extremities, amidst apprehensions of potential amputation.
“Her recovery is remarkable. She exudes joy and possesses a distinct personality, a testament to her resilience despite her challenging inception," articulated Mr. Lutchman. "Our ability to aid her journey towards an exceptional life is profoundly gratifying."
Greenacres Rescue, under the stewardship of Mikey Lawlor near Haverfordwest, became Ariel's sanctuary post-discovery, where she was found in a dire, malnourished state.
"The initial veterinary examination revealed not only her extra hind limbs but an anomalous additional vulva," disclosed Mr. Lawlor, aged 42.
Subsequent CT scans unveiled a solitary kidney, escalating the intricacy of her medical needs.
"Compounded by dual hip joints on one flank, Ariel's pelvis was malformed. This led to her conventional rear right leg lacking muscle tone, a condition that nearly necessitated further amputation. Fortunately, recent months have witnessed significant strengthening in that leg," he added.
Christened after the aquatic protagonist of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid', owing to her partially conjoined extra hind limbs evoking a mermaid's tail, Ariel's surgery occurred at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital in Somerset.
“The dual procedures, spanning roughly two hours, were executed flawlessly,” Mr. Lawlor reported. “Post-operation, Ariel showcased remarkable resilience, promptly resuming ambulation, and sustaining nourishment and hydration. We remain vigilant for infection risks, but she is in excellent care."
He anticipates Ariel's imminent discharge to her foster family in west Wales, followed by rehabilitative physiotherapy, with the ultimate goal of securing her a permanent abode.
"The outpouring of global support for Ariel, including correspondences from locales as distant as New York and Australia, is astounding," he expressed, grateful for the widespread benevolence aiding Ariel's plight.
Vicki Black, director at Langford Vets, reflected: “Ariel’s case was a tapestry of complexity, necessitating a synergy of specialties like orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, anaesthesia, and radiology. Our affiliation with the University of Bristol underscores our dedication to avant-garde veterinary practices. Ariel’s successful recuperation fills us with immense pride.”
January 23, 2024Dogs Help officer to rescue owner from frozen lake
January 22, 2024Dog with six legs has operation to remove extra limbs