Lucky, a five-month-old Bulldog, lived up to her name after undergoing a life-saving surgery that gave her a proper bottom. Born with a rare congenital defect called Atresia ani type 3, Lucky was missing an anus. Her concerned owners noticed her struggles and sought help from a veterinarian, who referred her to specialists at Linnaeus-owned West Midlands Veterinary Referrals (WMR).
This summer, Lucky underwent a complex operation to build a new anus from scratch. Dr. Chris Lancelott, who led the treatment, explained the severity of Lucky’s condition. ‘Atresia ani type 3 and rectovaginal fistula’ meant the closed bowel was far from where the anus should be. The surgery required meticulous work, involving removing the abnormal internal passageway (fistula) and carefully repositioning the rectum to create a new anus.
Following the three-hour surgery, Lucky spent a week recovering and learning to relieve herself. She has since returned to her home in Rugeley, Staffs., and continues her convalescence. Her owner, Frances Silk, shared the challenges they faced. ‘We realized within the first week of Lucky being born that she wasn’t ‘plumbed’ correctly, leading to water infections and constipation,’ she explained. ‘Our local vets suggested waiting until she was eight to twelve weeks old, hoping she would be big enough for surgery.’
After thorough investigations and discussions, the family decided to proceed with the operation. ‘The operation went well, and three months later, Lucky is slowly regaining her strength,’ Frances shared. ‘After months of a liquid diet, she can now eat kibble just like her mum.’ Lucky’s story is a testament to the dedication of veterinary specialists and the resilience of animals facing challenging medical situations.
