A dog with severe neck pain who was struggling to walk is now living her best life following pioneering surgery at a leading County Durham animal hospital. 

Three-year-old Misty underwent life-changing surgery at Linnaeus-owned Wear Referrals in Bradbury after a rare cancer – neoplasia – in the spinal cord was diagnosed with the help of the images froman MRI scan. 

As well as debilitating neck pain for Misty, the tumour also meant she was suffering incoordination in her legs. 

However, Misty was in the best possible hands with expert treatment from Specialists in the neurology team at Wear Referrals.

Alessia Colverde, Specialist Neurologist at Wear Referrals, said: “Misty had a rare cancer in her spinal cord and the operation to remove it was very complicated and carried a high risk factor. 

“In fact, it was such challenging surgery it had the possibility that Misty could die or not be able to walk after the surgery.”

The operation involved a C1-C2 myelotomy to remove the mass inside the spinal cord

Alessia added: “Following the surgery, our amazing team of neurology nurses looked after Misty and helped her get back on her feet.

“It was great to see brave Misty walking again just a few days after the operation and she is now living her best life at home with her family.

“It’s a fantastic result for Misty and her family and we’re delighted to have helped such a courageous patient.”

Wear specialises in providing expert multidisciplinary care, including anaesthesia, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, internal medicine, neurology, out-of-hours emergency and critical care, oncology, orthopaedics and soft tissue. 

For more information of Wear Referrals, visit https://www.wear-referrals.co.uk or search for them on social media. 

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