AN AMERICAN vet has flown across the Atlantic to perform a pioneering operation that will free Koff the crippled dog to go walkies once again.
The five-year-old black labrador was struck by a van more than a year ago, causing serious damage to his elbow, the joint on his right front leg.
The injury meant the active pet was unable to walk properly and needed surgery that had never been performed before in this country.
Koff's owner, Simon Baeley, searched the internet looking for an animal orthopaedic expert and found Dr Mike Conzemius, but he was based in Iowa.
Originally, Mr Baeley was planning to fly to America with Koff, but decided it was more convenient to bring the dog to Liverpool's Small Animal Hospital for the operation where facilities were perfect for the three-hour surgery.
Dr Conzemius is the only surgeon in the world to be trained in this type of procedure, and arranged to fly to Liverpool in order to assist with the operation.
He flew to England and performed the procedure, and now Koff is on the road to recovery and set for many a long walk near her home in Dorset.
Speaking from Iowa State University - where he is associate professor of surgery in the department of veterinary clinical sciences - Dr Conzemius said last night: "It worked out very fortunately for the owners that I was able to fly to England to operate on their pet, as the vast majority travel here.
"This was my first visit to the UK and I spent just the one day in Liverpool.
"Total elbow replacement is the most challenging surgery that I do, and it went very well."
Professor John Innes, of Liverpool University's Small Animal Hospital, said: "We are grateful to Dr Conzemius for sharing his expertise, which will enable us to develop this technique in Liverpool.
"We in turn hope to share our knowledge with other vet schools in the UK."
Prof Innes said: "Our staff in Liverpool have the expertise that is required.
"We have the facilities on the surgery side and also on the anaesthesia side as well."
Mr Baeley, a freelance publisher, added: "Koff had been suffering from arthritis for some time and we were very keen to try anything which might alleviate his pain.
"The cost implications didn't put me off because he's a member of the family. You find the money.
"I am delighted with his progress. Koff is a companion, he's with me at all times, and I'm very optimistic that he will make a full recovery.
"He's a gentle and boisterous dog and it will be great to see him back to his best.
"I can't thank the doctors enough. They have all been brilliant."
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