Surgeons Reconstructed Border Collie Skull in Davis

Veterinarians at UC Davis operated on a dog that sustained severe facial fractures after a kick from a horse in September.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Dogs

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of a single surgical tool and rolled gauze on a sterile surface, reflecting veterinary care. — Veterinarians at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital successfully performed reconstructive surgery on a border collie following severe facial injuries sustained on a farm. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In September 2026, a 5-year-old border collie named Tessa suffered multiple facial fractures after being kicked by a horse on a farm. Three surgeons at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital performed reconstructive surgery to repair her skull and eye displacement.

Why it matters

The successful intervention allowed the dog to return to her normal activity levels shortly after the traumatic injury. This case highlights the advanced capabilities of the veterinary surgical team at the local hospital.

The 5-year-old border collie underwent a complex procedure involving three surgeons to install plates and reposition an eye socket. The patient was discharged just one day after the surgery.

The players

Tessa

She is a 5-year-old border collie who underwent life-saving reconstructive surgery after a farm accident.

UC Davis Veterinary Hospital

This is a specialized animal medical facility in Davis that treats complex trauma cases and performs advanced veterinary surgeries.

The details

Veterinary staff stabilized the patient and utilized medical scans to identify the extent of the skull fractures. Surgeons then performed the reconstruction to repair the forehead displacement and restore the eye to its proper position.

Tessa suffered facial injuries from a horse kick in September 2026.
The border collie returned to herding and training in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This successful procedure highlights the surgical expertise regularly showcased by the UC Davis Veterinary School's Case of the Month program. The recognition underscores a broader societal shift toward prioritizing advanced, life-saving medical care for household pets.

Residents in Davis now have additional evidence of the high-level trauma capabilities available at the local veterinary hospital for their own animals. Pet owners should ensure farm-dwelling dogs maintain a safe distance from horses to avoid similar severe injuries.

The takeaway

Advanced reconstructive surgery can provide a path for pets to return to their normal work and play even after severe trauma. Owners should observe their animals closely following any accidents to ensure they are cleared by a veterinarian before returning to high-intensity tasks.