New Forest: Vet mends broken bone by using ball as cast

The ball acted as a cast, enabling the broken bone to knit together, after five-year-old Suzy suddenly flew up and landed heavily.

Her owner, Fay Stafford, took her to Seadown Veterinary Services in Frost Lane, Hythe.

One of the vets, Hannah Buteux, said: "Suzy was brought in to see us because she couldn't put any weight on her right foot."

Suzy's broken toe was treated with the aid of a tennis ball that acted as a cast (Image: Seadown)

Hannah examined the chicken and discovered she had broken a bone in her central toe.

"Her owner was worried it might mean Suzy would need to be put to sleep.  However, I had successfully used a tennis ball to help with a similar injury.

"We gave Suzy pain relief and her foot was splinted by using a cut-down ball.  It was kept on for three weeks and, with careful care from her dedicated owner, she made a full recovery. 

"We couldn’t be more delighted to see such positive results and a very happy Suzy and owner – every pet deserves a chance."

Suzy is back with her friends after her injury was successfully treated (Image: Seadown)

Fay, who lives in the New Forest, added: "I was incredibly worried that I would hear the worst news when I took Suzy to Seadown.

"But Hannah was truly amazing - she really has a gift.

"I couldn't believe it when she said she could fix the foot with a tennis ball. I usually have one in the car for the dogs but the Seadown receptionist had one in her car.

"Hannah simply cut it in half and hey presto Suzy had a perfect cast.

"Three weeks later she's back with her friends and I couldn't be happier or more pleased. 

Suzy's broken toe healed with the aid of a tennis ball that acted as a cast (Image: Seadown)

"My advice to any pet or chicken owner is never give up hope. Even in these  of modern medicine sometimes the most simple things do the trick."

Hannah, who grew up in the Forest, worked for equine charity SPANA at their hospital in Morocco before joining Seadown several years ago.

Suzy was injured after she was startled and flew up, landing heavily on one foot.

Broken toes in chickens are usually the result of trauma or injury to either the foot or the toe. If a chicken finds it painful or difficult to move around it can become reluctant to find food and water.

Treatment for a fractured toe depends on the severity and location of the break.