Bulldog puppy born without a bum makes miracle recovery after life-saving surgery

Lucky the Bulldog puppy was born with a rare congenital defect that meant she didn't have an anus, but she has made a full recovery after a three-hour operation

A puppy aptly named Lucky has been given a second chance at life after undergoing pioneering surgery to correct a rare congenital defect that left her without an anus.

The five-month-old Bulldog's worried owners sought veterinary help when they noticed she was struggling, and she was referred to specialists at West Midlands Veterinary Referrals (WMR) in Staffordshire.

A complex three-hour operation was performed this summer to create a new anus for Lucky, reposition her rectum, and attach her bowel to the new opening.

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Dr Chris Lancelott, who led the treatment, explained: "Lucky was, in fact, unluckily born with a congenital defect that meant she had no anus."

"It was a severe case of a condition we call an 'Atresia ani type 3 and rectovaginal fistula'."

"The surgery is challenging in these cases as type 3 atresia means the closed bowel is far away from where the anus should be."

Following a week of recovery and learning to relieve herself, Lucky has returned to her home in Rugeley, Staffordshire, where she is continuing to convalesce. Frances Silk, the owner of a pup named Lucky, shared her relief and joy as she recounted the pet's health journey: "We realised within the first week of Lucky being born that she wasn't 'plumbed' correctly and, as a result, she suffered from water infections and constipation."

She continued to explain the veterinary advice they received: "Our local vets suggested we try to get her to between eight and 12 weeks old, when she might be big enough to undergo an operation."

After careful consideration, Frances said, "After a thorough investigation and detailed discussions, we decided to go ahead with the operation to correct her issues."

The surgery was a success, and Frances happily reported, "The operation went well and three months later, Lucky is slowly going from strength to strength."

She concluded with good news about Lucky's recovery: "After months of being fed a liquid diet she is now able to eat kibble just like her mum."

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