A BORDER collie with a rare and severe form of pneumonia is more energetic than ever following lifesaving treatment at a Runcorn vets.

Two-year-old Skye needed specialist medical help when she was referred to Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS) in Sutton Weaver.

Skye had been a fit and healthy dog before she became lethargic and lost her appetite, as well as having an increased respiratory rate and cough.

Her vets quickly diagnosed that her lungs were not performing properly and that aspiration pneumonia and pneumothorax, which is air around the lungs, might be responsible.

They started treatment, including antibiotic therapy, and then referred Skye to NWVS, which had diagnostic tools including a CT scanner to reveal where and how much was in the chest cavity.

Grateful owner Alistair Arnott, from Grange-over-sands in Cumbria, said: “I was astonished when I learnt of the diagnosis as Skye is young and full of energy.

“I felt awful, worried and upset for Skye. I was warned from the start that a successful recovery does not always happen.

“However, Skye received the best treatment and a special thanks goes to Francesca and the team at NWVS.”

Runcorn and Widnes World: Skye the border collie needed specialist medical helpSkye the border collie needed specialist medical help (Image: Alistair Arnott)

Following her treatment, Skye’s quality of life is as good as it was before her illness.

Her recovery has been incredible and she climbed various fells in the Lake District less than two months after discharge without appearing under any distress or to be out of breath.

Francesca Venier, internal medicine specialist at NWVS, added: “Skye was very poorly with one of the worst cases of pneumonia we have seen.

“A CT scan showed severe pneumothorax which had been caused by pneumonia damaging her lungs and causing air to leak from them.

“We quickly placed a chest drain to allow drainage of air and fluid from her chest, as well as starting intravenous antibiotic therapy.

“Shortly after being started on this treatment, Skye became brighter and her appetite improved.

“Her personality started to show, and she became interested in receiving cuddles from the staff and playing with toys.”