A dog from Hemel Hempstead has bounced back from painful spinal surgery thanks to an uncoventional medicine of beauty supplements.
Golden retriever Indi was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and quickly lost the use of her back legs, with dangerous surgery on two prolapsed discs her only chance of walking again.
"We were told that her recovery would be very long, and to accept that she would always have some level of mobility problem," said her owner, nurse Kim Haggerty
"She started physio, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture which she still has, I was determined to get her back to enjoying life again."
Determined to give her beloved dog the best chance of recovery, Kim began research into supplements that could help Indi during her recovery.
She found Collar-Gen by Pawable, the UK's first collagen supplement specifically designed for dogs.
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Though usually known as a human beauty supplement, collagen is a protein found in skin and connective tissues like joints, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments, and makes up 30 per cent of a dogs body.
And the decision has paid off, giving 10-year-old Indi a new lease of life.
"She is now bouncing around like a five year old again. It's amazing," said Kim.
"The first thing that I noticed was how wonderful her coat looked. Because of the traumatic year her coat had really suffered, but it was really noticeable, you can tell that she feels so well and bright.
"She is mischievous again too, we have three dogs and she is out there investigating with the others, it has been absolutely fantastic."
Indi's recovery has now also allowed her to play with Kim's other golden retriever's, Orla, five and Samphire, who is just 17 months old.
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"The poor puppy had only been with us a week when Indi's back legs went, and she had to be a puppy in the background. It was a really difficult time," she added.
"But now she is loving playing with Indi, and it's wonderful to see."
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