A CURLY-haired pooch who became paralysed over-night, received life changing surgery, and can finally run again thanks to a specialist vet hospital in Runcorn.

Fletcher, an adorable four-year-old Cavapoochon had lost all movement in his back legs when he was referred to Linnaeus-owned Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS) and was given a 50/50 chance of being able to ever walk again.

Owner, Janet said the moment she realised something was not right was when she opened the fridge to get some cheese and Fletcher did not move.

She said: “Overnight, Fletcher lost the use of both back legs, and our own vet indicated a spinal problem.

“We were devastated as Fletcher is our first family pet and we are all besotted with him as he’s such a lovely, sweet boy.”

Specialists at NWVS diagnosed that Fletcher had suffered a spinal injury, causing him to completely lose sensation and movement in both of his back limbs, with emergency surgery required.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Fletcher received an operation for his spinal injury and was left with a scarFletcher received an operation for his spinal injury and was left with a scar (Image: Supplied)

The poorly pooch took a few days to show signs of improvement, but Janet said the moment they knew he may walk again was when she walked into the surgery to see him, and his tale began to wag.

“Fletcher then started to regain some feeling, which gave us hope. His quality of life is now far better than we had hoped and is still improving.

“He is walking and running again and the difficulty now is actually holding him back.

“He clearly thinks he is fully recovered and while there is still room for continued improvement, we are delighted with where he is compared to where we thought he might be.”

Fletcher received surgery, neurology, physiotherapy and was seen by a ‘dedicated in-patient care team’ at NWVS which is said to have been ‘crucial’ to his recovery.

Lauren Bates, physiotherapist at NWVS, said: “The fact Fletcher lost complete sensation in both his back limbs made his prognosis guarded, as only around 50 per cent of dogs at this stage will improve after surgery.

“He received daily physio treatment while here as an inpatient and was sent home with a bespoke care plan for his owners.

“He still has a way to go with his recovery, but he has done really well so far with the help of his dedicated owners. We are hopeful Fletcher will keep getting stronger.”