A much-loved family pet has made an extraordinary recovery after undergoing complex life-saving surgery at Manchester Veterinary Specialists (MVS). Grumpy, a one-year-old male tabby cat, was found unable to walk outside his home in Rochdale after a suspected road traffic accident. His owner, Jack Rudkin, acted swiftly, rushing him to a local veterinary practice for immediate care.
Vets at the practice provided emergency treatment, including intravenous fluids for shock and pain relief. Following an initial assessment, they confirmed that Grumpy had sustained severe pelvic injuries due to blunt force trauma. The severity of his condition led to his urgent referral to Manchester Veterinary Specialists, a leading orthopaedic referral centre for companion animals.
Extensive Injuries Require Complex Surgery
Upon arrival at MVS, Grumpy was examined by Anna Condon, a specialist in veterinary orthopaedic surgery. His condition required immediate stabilisation before undergoing CT and X-ray imaging, which revealed catastrophic injuries. His right pelvis had been shattered into multiple fragments, while the left pelvis was both fractured and dislocated, leaving it detached from the spine.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Grumpy was unable to bear weight or walk. Additionally, the left-side fracture was dangerously close to vital nerves responsible for limb movement and sensation, making the surgery particularly challenging.
A Highly Skilled Surgical Team Steps In
To restore Grumpy’s ability to walk, the MVS surgical team performed an intricate procedure lasting over three hours. The operation involved:
- Two orthopaedic consultants, a veterinary anaesthetist, and specialist referral nurses for continuous monitoring.
- Bone plates and multiple screws to reconstruct the shattered right pelvis.
- A screw fixation to reattach the left pelvis to the spine.
A Remarkable Recovery
Just 48 hours after surgery, Grumpy defied expectations by standing on his legs and taking his first cautious steps. His post-operative recovery plan required six to eight weeks of strict bed rest to allow his bones and soft tissues to heal fully.
Incredibly, within three months, Grumpy had regained full mobility and was back to his playful self. His owner, Jack Rudkin, expressed his gratitude for the care his cat received.
A Grateful Owner’s Testimony
“After Grumpy’s accident, I feared for his future. When our local vet recommended specialist treatment, I was extremely nervous. However, as soon as we arrived at MVS and met Anna, her expertise and detailed explanation of the procedure put me at ease,” said Jack Rudkin.
Anna later admitted she’s a perfectionist, and she made sure Grumpy’s reconstructive surgery was as close to perfect as possible and I can confidently say she succeeded. His recovery has been remarkable. The team at MVS provided outstanding post-operative support, including a clear medication schedule and detailed recovery guidelines. Their care and dedication were exceptional.
Grumpy is now a happy, mobile indoor cat, and I cannot thank the MVS team enough for giving him a second chance at life.
A Leading Centre for Orthopaedic Care
Founded in 2017, Manchester Veterinary Specialists is a renowned orthopaedic referral centre offering advanced surgical procedures for companion animals. With a team of over 20 specialists, the hospital provides cutting-edge treatments for:
- Total hip replacements
- Fracture repairs
- Cruciate ligament surgeries
- Angular limb deformity corrections
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital features:
- A modern theatre suite with two operating theatres.
- Advanced anaesthesia and monitoring technology.
- A recovery ward with dedicated one-to-one patient care.
- A digital radiology suite and high-definition arthroscopy equipment.
Through its expert team and world-class facilities, MVS continues to set the standard in veterinary orthopaedic care, ensuring beloved pets like Grumpy receive the best possible treatment and a second chance at a happy life.
