Eight-year-old Border Terrier, Nelly, made a lucky escape and survived being hit by a van.

Nelly needed emergency treatment at PDSA after a freak accident left her caught under the wheels of a van. 

Nelly had slipped away from her owner Debby Hayes (61), disappearing under a hedgerow when she turned her back for a moment. 

Debbie, from Bloxwich, Walsall, said: “Poor Nelly stopped right by a van tyre for a rest, but the driver couldn’t see her. So when he started up his van to move away, he ran her over, injuring her back.” 

Debby was in a state of shock and quickly called the PDSA Pet Hospital in Wolverhampton to see if they could help. After explaining what had happened, they asked her to bring Nelly straight in so they could assess her injuries and treat her. 

Upon arrival, the vet team were amazed that Nelly was able to walk given the extent of her injuries. An examination, along with X-rays and an ultrasound, confirmed that she had escaped without any broken bones or internal injuries. However, her back was in very bad condition with damage to her skin, extreme swelling and bruising all over.  

The charity’s vets started immediate treatment, including strong pain relief. 

Despite intensive nursing care over the next few days, the swelling around her wounds continued to worsen. PDSA vets carried out further tests and found she had a build-up of fluid beneath the skin, and she needed a procedure to drain the fluid. Fortunately, this was a success and much to Debby’s relief, Nelly was able to come back home with further pain relief, antibiotics and strict rest to continue her recovery. 

But Nelly wasn’t out of the woods yet. The damage to the skin was so extensive that it started to break down, leaving her with open wounds. She needed regular visits to the Pet Hospital so the vet team could access and clean her wounds, as well as provide Debby with the support she needed to care for Nelly at home. Slowly, with the care and dedication of her vets, vet nurses and loving owner, Nelly’s wounds started to heal. 

Fortunately, Nelly’s condition continued to improve and, after a month of medications, special home care and check-ups at the PDSA Pet Hospital, her wounds are almost fully healed. 

Debby said: “The treatment all the way through was second to none; the team are really fantastic at what they do at PDSA. 

“I don’t know what I would have done without PDSA’s help. I am no longer able to work, so there is no way I could have afforded Nelly’s life-saving treatment at a private practice. I live on a boat and running my home has become a lot more expensive during the cost-of-living crisis; coal has doubled in price and my other bills are on the rise, so I have to be really careful with my money. 

“I know how important donations are to ensure PDSA can continue their great work, so when Nelly was having her checkups after her accident, I made sure I donated whatever I could to the charity. They’re a lifeline to so many pets, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.” 

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lian Cliffe, said: “When Nelly’s owner called and told us that she had been run over by a van, we feared the worst. Luckily, our investigations showed that she had escaped without serious internal injuries. However, the damage to her skin and muscles over her hind end and back was significant and required a lot of ongoing care. Over the next few weeks, we were able to manage the affected tissues with pain relief, antibiotics and surgical drains. Nelly’s skin went on to heal well and she has returned to her normal active self.”  

Nelly and Debby have a very special connection. Debby had just started cancer treatment when she brought her home. She said: “I picked her up at 8 weeks old. She has been by my side every day since and is my healing dog.” 

Debby added: “I could not have asked for better treatment for Nelly, she is a funny, clever little dog and is getting back to her old self. I am so grateful to PDSA for all of their hard work and dedication to animals.”

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 48 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we helped over 388,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Nelly's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for cats like Nelly without your support. Please consider donating today.

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