King's Lynn puppy has amputation after suffering from fractured leg 'for months'

Having been left at a Lynn veterinary, a French Bulldog puppy had to have an amputation after x-rays showed she had been suffering with a fractured elbow for months.

Kiera, who is eight-months-old had been left at London Road Vets last weekend by her owners who said they could not afford to pay for treatment.

She was badly limping and it was decided it would be more bearable for her if her leg was amputated.

The cost of the surgery was originally set at £15,000 which was too much for the RSPCA to pay for, so the vets agreed to pick it up at their cost.

And from Monday, the dog will be taken on by the RSPCA Rehoming Centre at Tilney All Saints.

Carl Saunders, general manager of RSPCA West Norfolk, said: "The fracture was at least three months because the bones had fused together. There was nothing the vets could do. If they tried to pin it, that would not have worked as it was too close to the joint.

"The poor little thing must have been in agony for a number of weeks."

After having her leg amputated, the vets noticed she was a lot more sprightly and comfortable.

Dr Jen Sinclair, clinical director at London Vets, said: "She is now absolutely fine and really bouncy. We are getting her outside every day and she has been rolling over for us.

"It is so sad when we have a patient that is clearly in a large amount pain. We all want to do what we can to fix it and in this situation she needed an operation.

"She's actually lots more comfortable and running around with three legs rather than limping uncomfortably with four.

"She is much, much happier now and able to get about."

The RSPCA is relying on donations at the moment as the charity has had to close its charity shops, including the one on Norfolk Street in Lynn, due to the coronavirus.

However, the centre is still ensuring it is able to care for animals like Kiera.

Mr Saunders added: "Sadly this is an all too common occurrence for us at the rehoming centre, and too be honest that’s what we were founded to do, help animals.

"Yesterday (Thursday), an unfortunate pet owner had to bring in her two cats, as her baby had been admitted to hospital urgently and she had no one else to look after them – we are here to help when we can."

If you would like to support the West Norfolk branch of the RSPCA, text BUXM01 to 70790 to donate £5 or BUXM01 to 70791 to donate £10.

Cheques can be posted to 2 Eau Brink Rd, Tilney All Saints, King’s Lynn PE34 4SQ.