Happy ending after Basil's brush with death

Basil the basset hound collapsed with a life-threatening stomach condition at the VW Festival in the estate’s grounds three weeks ago.

The 11-year-old became distressed after travelling from his owners’ home in Worcester to attend the event and was spotted by a fellow festival-goer trained in animal care.

She feared his stomach could have twisted, with potentially fatal results, and Temple Newsam staff helped to rush Basil to Holly House Veterinary Hospital in Moortown for emergency surgery.

Vet Charlotte Tuplin operated on the pet after diagnosing gastric dilation, where the dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists on its axis, meaning the waste cannot escape. Basil had a bloated abdomen and urgently needed his stomach de-rotating and repositioning.

“This condition is rapidly fatal and requires immediate surgery. As Basil was 11 years old I was concerned about whether he would be strong enough to withstand the surgery,” she said.

After two days of intensive nursing care, Basil was discharged and allowed to return to Worcester with owners the Nicholson family.

Mr Nicholson said:

“The speed and efficiency at which Basil was admitted, operated on and cared for afterwards was second to none. We will always be so grateful to everybody who helped us that night.”

Mr and Mrs Nicholson have since managed to locate the veterinary nurse and the event staff from Temple Newsam to thank them.