Blythman and Partners - Veterinary Practices in Tyne And Wear

Treating Haggis the seal

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Our vet Janine saw a rather unusual patient a few weeks ago. Haggis, a young grey seal pup was found on Newbiggin beach and our friends at Blyth Wildlife Rescue attended to him before bringing him to our out of hours emergency service at Gosforth.

He had been attacked most likely by an adult seal and had numerous infected bite wounds. The most serious of these involved his hind flipper. Our team took X-rays that showed the digit to be dislocated, fractured and had osteomyelitis (infection of the bone). This needed amputation.

However due to species specific adaptations anaesthesia of seals is very challenging and Haggis had a very real chance of not surviving surgery. All of this was further complicated as he was suffering from respiratory disease too.

After much thought and discussion it was decided he would return to Blyth Wildlife’s intensive care unit on antibiotics and pain relief and if he became strong enough we would give him every chance with the operation.

Earlier this week after numerous previous trips to see her, Janine successfully amputated the damaged portion of flipper. Haggis had a very good anaesthetic in the capable hands of our experienced theatre team at the South Shields branch. 

The whole team has felt privileged to be part of Haggis’ care and we are grateful to Blyth Wildlife and their fantastic volunteers for all that they do and for enabling us to be part of Haggis’ rehabilitation.

He still has a long road ahead but we are hopeful he will be able to be released back to the sea once he has recovered.

Blyth Wildlife Rescue is a charity set up in 2006 working to rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of sick and injured wild animals across Tyneside and Northumberland year after year, combining a volunteer network, casualty collection volunteers, foster caters, a veterinary ambulance and intensive care facility. 

See their website for more information http://www.blythwildliferescue.co.uk/

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Blythman and Partners - Veterinary Practices in Tyne And Wear