Dennis found himself at Lort Smith when he fell out of his carer’s arms. X-rays confirmed it was a greenstick fracture – which is more common in young, soft or growing bones.

Vets gave him a splint to wear for three weeks and asked his carers to return weekly for three weeks for a bandage change and assessment. This was to protect Dennis from infection and to ensure his fracture was healing properly.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Dennis did not make it back to Lort Smith until four weeks later.

Poor Dennis’ leg had become very swollen and had developed pressure sores over his leg where the bandage should have received weekly vet attention.

He was kept overnight for treatment and went home with a dedicated plan that his carers could manage.

The next week when Dennis returned to Lort Smith, he was sore again! He had got into mischief while recovering at home and had fractured his shinbone as well.

Knowing they could not provide the right home for such an excitable pup, Dennis’ carers asked Lort Smith to help him with his multiple fractures, and then find him the perfect forever family.

Dennis went straight into surgery to have his second fracture surgically fixed with a plate and screws. After a few days in hospital he went into foster care with one of Lort Smith’s vets where he could be closely monitored in a home environment.

After six weeks, his post operation check-up revealed the initial greenstick fracture had worsened. Dennis had to go back into surgery to shorten his ulna bone so he could walk properly. Another ten weeks recovering and rehabilitating in foster care, helped Dennis’ legs return to working order.

As soon as he was give the all clear by the vet surgeons, Dennis was made available for adoption!

When Sam and Bel met Dennis, they instantly knew that he was the perfect, energetic boy to give them endless memories of fun and companionship.

These days, ‘Dennis the Menace’ can be found playing with furry friends at the park or beach. He is always the one to run into the middle and be social with every single dog.

Poor Dennis may not have had the easiest start to his life – spending the majority of his time recovering from multiple injuries and surgeries. However it is inspiring how he hasn’t let any of it get in his way. Thank you to our incredible donors and bequestors for enabling us to help Dennis.

Lort Smith Animal Hospital operates just as a human hospital does. Our extensive facilities, coupled with our broad range of specialist equipment, enable us to provide the highest level of veterinary care.