Dog hit by SUV on A326 Hythe Bypass saved by Seadown vets

Bert lost several teeth and also suffered serious injuries to one of his legs in the crash, which occurred on the A326 Hythe Bypass.

Despite expert treatment he was left with lasting damage that prevented him from exercising as much as he used to.

Bert began to pile on the pounds - but lost almost a third of his newly-acquired weight with the help of Seadown Veterinary Services.

Bert with Seadown nurse Abi Church, who helped him lose the weight he gained after a near-fatal accident (Image: Seadown Veterinary Services)

A Seadown spokesperson said "Bert went to live with Suzanne Carlisle and her family in 2020, when he was about four months old.

"As a youngster he would occasionally do the opposite of what he was told and unfortunately this is what led to him being hit by a car.

"Instead of coming back when he was called, Bert decided to go through a gap on to the road.

"He was hit by an SUV and ended up with multiple injuries to his leg and foot. He also lost some of his teeth.

"Although it was very traumatic for all involved, Suzanne has always tried to bear in mind that Bert was incredibly lucky to have survived."

Bert was treated at Seadown Veterinary Services at Frost Lane in Hythe (Image: Richard Dunwoody)

Bert, who is half beagle and half labrador, was taken to the Seadown surgery at Frost Lane, Hythe.

"Despite initial worries that he'd suffered major internal injuries or that the damage to his leg was too severe, the only lasting damage is to his foot.

"The broken bones haven't healed back in place, so he has splayed toes and a limp.

"During his treatment Bert was a regular visitor to Seadown, not least because he has little legs and keeping his plaster cast on was a challenge. He soon became a firm favourite with us all.

"Unfortunately, due to the permanent damage to his foot, Suzanne has to be very careful about his exercise.

"This lower level of exercise, coupled with his two breeds, means he's a big fan of his food and susceptible to weight gain. Regretfully, the heavier Bert resulted in greater pressure on his foot, so it became a vicious circle.

"In the end he was put under the fabulous care of our head nurse, Ali Church.

"Over the course of around 12 months, under Ali’s special supervision, Bert lost very nearly 10kg - almost a third of his heaviest weight.

"He's now much healthier, suffering a lot less with his foot, and able to play far more often with his friends."