A DOG whose life was saved when vets spotted a cancerous tumour on his nose has revisited the team who treated him to help them celebrate receiving a client care award.

Cocker spaniel Zak, 9, has been looked after at Holly House Veterinary Surgery – part of Willows Veterinary Group – since he was a puppy, and was diagnosed with the tumour when he was taken in for a completely separate issue.

He was treated and underwent facial reconstruction surgery, and returned with owner Carol-Anne Erwin to the Mobberley Road surgery last week as a happy and healthy dog to join the celebrations.

Staff have been rated outstanding for client engagement by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which runs a voluntary programme to accredit UK practices.

Zak’s story is just one in which Willows Vets practices have seen success across 25 small centres.

Carol-Anne said: "We thought he had something wrong with his joints. He was lethargic and putting on weight - he just wasn't himself.

"When I took him to Holly House Naomi [Roberts, head vet] discovered two things - he had a thyroid condition, and after further investigation a cancerous lump on his nose.

"He underwent surgery at the Willows hospital and had a bit of his nose removed. The surgeon Prue Neath did an unbelievable job.

"Nobody would know he'd had an operation unless you told them. Prue and Naomi saved Zak – I've got a brand new dog now.

"They all did amazing work, including the nursing staff. Holly House is second to none. Had it not been for Naomi spotting the cancer in the first instance, though, we wouldn't be where we are now."

Naomi, 31, said: "It's all about customer service, providing outstanding client engagement and having happy customers – that's definitely our aim.

"We provide personalised care for local people in Knutsford which is why we've got this award.

"I always think about how I would feel in the owners' situation and how I'd like to be treated and how I'd want my pet treated.”

The RCVS promotes the gold standard of care and treatment for animals, and put the Holly House team through their paces before giving the award.

knutsfordvets.com