A New Forest vet has told how half a tennis ball helped a chicken recover from a fractured toe.
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."
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."
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.
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