Xanthe's Bravery Award

Xanthe received a Bravery Award at Dogfest on 14th June 2015. Xanthe popped in to see us today wearing her medal and we wanted to share this with you. Her owner has also written about her experience at Fitzpatrick Referrals and Park Veterinary Hospital.

"In praise of cutting-edge veterinary practice and of ‘Park’

What makes a theatre full of lively dogs and their owners fall silent and remain spell bound? On Sunday just that happened when Noel Fitzpatrick (Channel 4 Supervet) took to the stage at the Arley Hall Dogfest to present medals to 7 brave dogs, including Xanthe from the Park Vet Practice.  I watched with amazement as Xanthe sat motionless, never taking her eyes off Noel’s face as he told the story of these dogs suffering and the development of cutting edge techniques to repair and replace damaged or malformed limbs and spines.

Xanthe, and her litter sister Mizzy, came to share their lives with Margaret and Frances respectively. Both looked forward to the delights of walking their dogs in the local countryside. Sadly, by the time these pedigree dogs were only 10 months old, it became clear that both had difficulties when walking. X-rays revealed that neither dog had proper hip joints and that they also had problems with their knees.  On daily medication to counteract their severe pain, the dogs struggled sometimes even to stand up. Xanthe reacted badly to medication and had a severe gastric bleed. All who cared about them wondered about what the future held for these two gutsy little dogs who had deserved a better start.

As an owner I cannot say enough how much I appreciated the support and care given by Carmel and the whole team at Park Vets in those difficult early days. By chance I was also lucky enough to meet the chief neurologist from the team at Fitzpatrick referrals. She listened to Xanthe’s story and found that she might be a suitable candidate for the surgery that was now becoming available there.  Carmel Stanford immediately referred Xanthe, to Noel Fitzpatrick. He confirmed the earlier diagnosis. He warned that it might be very difficult to construct adequate hip sockets for Xanthe but he was willing to try. Xanthe’s first operation followed soon after and when Mizzy’s owner saw its success she was also referred by her vet. Xanthe had three surgeries and Mizzy five before their difficulties were resolved. Over the many hours I sat in the waiting room at Fitzpatricks while Xanthe had treatment I was amazed that I never encountered a frightened dog. All seemed to sense how much the team in Surrey cared for them.

Each time we came back from Fitzpatrick’s the support at Park was just what we needed. I worried away, wondering about medication for pain, how much Xanthe should be allowed to do and how soon. The team were always there and amazingly patient with my questions and uncertainties. A year later Xanthe’s final treatment is over at last and she is just the happy, spunky little dog I hoped for, longing for a walk, the chance to be off the lead, to run and to chase her ball.  A huge thank you to Carmel and the whole team at Park from us both."

Posted 10th June 2015