Vets in West Buckland saved the life of a 4-year-old border terrier after she fell into a critical condition.

The beloved family pet underwent complex spinal surgery to remove a large blood clot in her neck - before she underwent blood transfusions due to a suspected ingestion of rat poison.

Cave Veterinary Specialists carried out the procedures which saved the dog's life, after she was rushed to their West Buckland referral centre by her owners.

After discovering a large blood clot which was compressing the dog's spine and neck, highly skilled spinal surgeons set to work removing the obstacle and decompressing the area.

But Lola wasn't out of the woods yet, as vets then suspected Lola had ingested rat poison, threatening to prevent her blood from clotting.

The terrier was given a blood transfusion with blood clotting agents administered, returning her to health.

Lola’s owner, Katie Moorman from East Devon, said: “We were very concerned as it was clear that she might not make it. The surgery itself was complex and came with some risk, and then the haemorrhaging and likelihood of rat poison ingestion made it even worse.

“Lola was cared for round the clock by many members of the Cave team and she benefitted hugely from their expertise and dedication, she wouldn’t have made it without them.”

Simon Bertram, head of neurology at Cave, said: “Lola was in a very poorly condition and her treatment was a real team effort, including one of our specialists in internal medicine Adam Swallow, one of our neurology specialists Tom Cardy, our specialist led anaesthesia team, our nursing team, myself and others at the practice.

“It was a very traumatic time for Lola and her owners as she cheated death on two occasions. 

“The good news is that she responded very well to treatment after initially being completely paralysed and suffering from her bleeding disorder and only remained at Cave for three days before being allowed home already able to walk again. 

“Lola’s a lovely dog and it’s great to know that she’s made a full recovery and is back to her old self.”