Spinal surgery success for Albi after death-defying road dash

A young border terrier has made a miraculous recovery after being hit by a car on London’s busy A4. 

The lifesaving surgery on Albi’s spine was the first of its kind for vets at the Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria, London.

When 18-month-old Albi ran across the Hammersmith Flyover in west London, his owner feared the worst. 

Dangerous dash 

Albi had been playing in his usual park when he suddenly darted through an open gate and across one of the capital’s busiest roads. 

His anxious owner Mark Protani could only look on in horror as Albi dashed through the fast moving traffic. When Mark finally got to the other side Albi had vanished and Mark finally found him back in the park looking dazed and stunned.

Mark says: “I knew straightaway that something was wrong so picked him up and ran to the Blue Cross Hammersmith hospital nearby.”

Life-threatening injuries 

After being transferred to Victoria, further examinations and X-rays revealed Albi had broken his spine. 

He needed complex surgery never before performed by Blue Cross vets,  which involved delicately fitting metal plates to his spine, without damaging the spinal cord. 

The two-hour long operation was a success and miraculously, just four days after surgery, Albi is able to walk again. 

Jess Gower, Blue Cross Vet Surgeon says: “We were amazed when Albi greeted us with a waggy tail so soon after his major operation. 

“Now, with the aid of a sling, he can even walk a few steps - just 10 days after surgery! We are delighted with his amazing recovery. He really is one lucky boy.” 

Mark adds: “It has been an emotional rollercoaster for me over the past few days. There were so many times when I thought I’d lost Albi. 

“I’m so grateful to Jess and all the vets and nurses at Blue Cross who never gave up on Albi and cared for him with such devotion.”

Back at home 

Happily, Albi is now recovering at home and on a physiotherapy programme to get him up and running again. Blue Cross vets will monitor his progress through regular check-ups.