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Giant Clumber Spaniel can see again after ‘facelift’ at Penrith vets

Bentley six months after the operation

A young dog’s facelift has left him looking so much better – both aesthetically and visually – thanks to expert surgery at one of the UK’s top veterinary eye clinics.

Two-year-old Clumber Spaniel Bentley was in real trouble as heavy folds of skin from his forehead were forcing his eyelids inwards, restricting his vision and causing corneal ulcers.

Now, though, he’s set for a brighter, clearer future after delicate surgery at Linnaeus-owned Veterinary Vision in Cumbria.

Veterinary Vision’s Clinical Director Chris Dixon said: “Bentley was a challenging dog to examine before the surgery because of his restricted vision and continual ocular discomfort.

“Heavy folds of skin along his brow and around his eyes were pushing hairs onto the cornea and he’d subsequently developed corneal ulceration.

“Surgery was complex and involved the resection of skin folds from his forehead. We performed a modified brow suspension to prevent the remaining skin from sliding forwards and followed this with bilateral upper and lower eyelid surgery to prevent the eyelids turning in.

“Accurate planning of the procedure was critical to the success because over-correction could potentially prevent Bentley from blinking normally and lead to further complications, and under-correction would not improve his quality of life.

“All went well and Bentley’s recovery was excellent, and the shy, nervous, aggressive behaviour that we had experienced pre-operatively disappeared overnight.

“His owners have been extremely diligent with his post-operative care and I am pleased that he is now treatment-free.

“He’s been a fantastic patient, and the whole Veterinary Vision team is thrilled that he has made a complete recovery.”

Owners Anthony and Fiona Robson, from Newcastle, are also thrilled with Bentley’s new look.

Anthony said: “Before the surgery, Bentley was frequently keeping his eyes closed and actually walked into a brick bus stop one morning.

“The difference after surgery was amazing! He began looking around when we walked him as if everything was new!

“It has also helped his confidence, although still a work in progress, as his poor vision before surgery caused him to be very wary of strangers and dogs. He’s much better now.”

Fiona praised Chris and the Vet Vision team for making such a dramatic difference, adding: “We are so grateful for the fantastic job they did for Bentley to give him a different outlook on life and a better future.

“He has been transformed and it’s lovely seeing him run around on the beach, a very happy dog.

“We would have no hesitation in recommending Veterinary Vision to other clients, as their service was very professional and they took amazing care of Bentley.”

Veterinary Vision, which has centres in Penrith, Sunderland and Charnock Richard, is equipped for all types of ocular surgery with its ophthalmologists offering a vast range of experience and knowledge in small animal, equine and farm animal eye conditions.

For more information, visit: www.veterinaryvision.co.uk or search for Veterinary Vision on social media.

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