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The heartwarming story of Reggie's road to recovery was recently featured on the Bondi Vet channel's popular YouTube series, Vet on the Hill, which follows TV vet, Dr Scott Miller.
Earlier this year, Reggie, from Witney in Oxfordshire was referred by his daytime vet to Hamilton Specialist Referrals for complex surgery on his spine after experiencing hindlimb weakness and incoordination.
Dr Michael Hamilton and Dr Pete Smith, renowned veterinary specialists, performed the intricate procedure, which involved the use of 3D models of Reggie's spine to guide the operation and stabilise his spine.
Dr Hamilton of Hamilton Specialist Referrals, part of the IVC Evidensia referrals network, said: “I am very proud we are able to offer the most cutting-edge technologies to help our patients. Dr Smith and I are delighted to see the remarkable improvement Reggie has made since surgery.”
Reggie's story gained the attention of the Bondi Vet channel producers, which boasts 1.5 million subscribers worldwide. The episode featuring Reggie showcased the clinical skill within Hamilton’s and the compassionate care the team provided to both Reggie and his owner, Alison Hughes.
Reggie’s owner Alison, a partner in a local business, said on the programme: “Reggie had been having some problems with his hind legs for about 2 years. He walked like he was drunk, and when he wasn’t walking, he just sank down.
97% of French Bulldogs have a spinal malformation, but luckily for most, these malformations are benign and don’t greatly affect them. But unfortunately for Reggie, his condition is likely related to these malformations.
Reggie's spinal complications was diagnosed as a neurological condition in which fluid accumulates within the spinal cord due to scarring of the membranes surrounding it. Initially treated with steroid anti-inflammatories, Reggie's condition only marginally improved.
However, after three months, his condition declined, leaving surgery as the only viable option. Reggie is seen on the Vet on the Hill episode struggling to walk.
Dr Hamilton added: “Surgery was complex and involved the removal of the roof of Reggie's spinal canal, access to the affected area, and the delicate procedure of freeing up the region of scarring. Reggie's unique case presented additional challenges, including deformed bones at the affected site and a large pocket of fluid within the spinal cord.”
The surgery could have left Reggie paralysed but despite the uncertain outcome, Reggie's owner elected to proceed with the complex surgery. Custom implants were created using a 3D image of Reggie's spine obtained from a CT scan. The surgery was successful, and post-operative CT scans confirmed the perfect placement of the implants.
Reggie returned home the weekend after surgery with a course of intensive exercises to follow.
“Reggie's recovery was swift and heartening,” continued Dr Hamilton. “Within three weeks of surgery, he regained the ability to stand unaided and even took steps with his back legs during physiotherapy sessions.”
Dr Hamilton added “Ten weeks after the surgery, Reggie underwent a recheck with Dr Pete and to everyone's delight, he showed remarkable progress. He was walking with enthusiasm, displaying increased muscle mass in his hind limbs, and was no longer in pain.”
Alison added: “I’m so happy we decided to go for the surgery for Reggie. I’m so surprised by how he’s now walking. He’s fully co-ordinated and he’s got so much strength. He’s gone back to feeling naughty so that means he’s feeling so much better!”