(Nearly) gone in a Flash!
05 September 2018
Despite his name, Manchester crossbreed Flash wasn't quick enough to escape a horrific hit-and-run accident which left his life hanging in the balance.
Eleven-year-old Flash was on a walk when he slipped his leash, dashed into the road and was hit by a car, sustaining injuries so severe vet surgeons couldn't save his leg.
His owner, Shaun Griffiths (47), rushed Flash to our Manchester Pet Hospital on Warwick Road. His chances of survival looked extremely slim. Poor Flash had sustained severe damage to his front legs, irreversible nerve damage in his left leg and bruising over his entire body.
Shaun from Wythenshawe, said, "His injuries were horrific. The skin of his right leg was completely torn away and his left leg couldn't hold any weight. It was devastating, I thought we'd lost him."
Flash was treated by our vets and nurses, who gave him pain-relief and cared for his wounds. He was then kept under intensive care for 24 hours before being allowed home. Sadly the nerve damage to his left leg was too severe to recover from. Flash couldn't feel his leg anymore and was causing himself injury. Two months after his initial injuries, our vets operated to remove the leg.
"it was touch and go", said PDSA Vet Nurse Claire Allen. "While his right leg was in a bad way, it had showed signs of slowly improving and he was able to put some weight on it. But sadly the damage to his left leg was too great and he needed an intricate operation to amputate it.
"He's made a remarkable recovery and it's fantastic to see him back home with his owner."
Shaun said: "Flash is my best friend and like a son to me. I don't think I would have coped through such a harrowing time if it were not for the staff's tenderness and understanding. They were so caring and I want them to know how grateful I am for everything they have done for us."
"I'm so relieved to have him home. He's back to his usual self, and is cheeky as ever and even manages to run up and down the stairs. He quickly got used to life on three legs, and he doesn't let if affect him.
"Flash's treatment would have cost us nearly £1,000 at private vets - this just wasn't possible for us and our circumstances. Thankfully PDSA offers reduced cost treatment, so it was just over £500. We will be forever grateful."
