Hedon Vet turns to toys to give tortoise a new lease of life
A Holderness tortoise has been given a new lease of life inspired by the classic children's construction toy, Meccano.
When Harry the Horsefield tortoise presented at Haven Veterinary Group's Hedon practice with a swollen leg that refused to heal, vet Kim Barrow was forced to think of a way to keep the weight off 11 year old Harry's legs.
Dr Barrow explained what happened next: "Harry had injured one of his back legs and was overworking the other one in an attempt to stay mobile. This resulted in swelling that would keep recurring unless we could think of a way to keep the weight off his legs."
Kim recalled a procedure that she had seen in another practice and, unable to find an off the shelf solution, made a set of wheels from a stainless steel pin and Meccano wheels that she fixed to Harry's undercarriage using hoof glue.
"The swelling reduced almost immediately and, although Harry managed to pull the first set of wheels off and needed some all-terrain tyres to stop him slipping, we're delighted to report that he's making excellent progress."
Harry's owner, Mike Davis from Patrington is delighted with Harry's progress: "Kim specialises in exotic animals and treats all of our tortoises. This is an ingenious solution and has given Harry a new lease of life and means that he can still rule the roost, even as the smallest tortoise in the family!"
Horsefield tortoises originate from Central Asia and are a relatively small species with males reaching only about 16cm in length when fully grown aged around 15.
Haven Veterinary Group also has a practice on Holderness Road, Hull, where it has been treating and caring for small and large animals for over a century.
Ends
Photo: Kim Barrow examines Harry the Tortoise
Video: Harry the Tortoise speeds around the surgery
For more information or to arrange an interview with Kim Barrow, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on
Direct line: 01430 871360
Mobile: 07971 961574
E mail:traceybaty@three60 marketing.co.uk
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Notes to editors
For more information about Haven Veterinary Group, please visithttp://www.havenvetgroup.co.uk/
For more information about Haven Veterinary Group Hedon, please call 01482898301. The Hedon practice specialises in large and small animals.
For more information about Haven Veterinary Group Holderness Road, please call 01482 376477. The Holderness Road practice specialises in small animals.