A RISCA vet became the first in the UK to gain a specialist qualification in the study of human bones and joints.

Russell Chandler has graduated with a masters degree in orthopaedic engineering, normally only undertaken by human orthopaedic surgeons, at Cardiff University.

He is now using his new knowledge of the science behind bone and joint diseases and treatments to help cats and dogs at Alphavet Referrals in Commercial Street.

Mr Chandler, 46, who lives in Newport, undertook the MSc qualification to gain an in-depth knowledge of human orthopaedic surgery.

Over the past three years, he has balanced his studies with working full time and, in his final year, wrote a dissertation on spine disease in dogs.

Mr Chandler provides a specialist bone and joint treatment service at his practice and cats and dogs are referred to him from more than 50 veterinary practices across South Wales.

Over the past 14 years, he has helped pets with problems ranging from broken bones, joint conditions and paralysis from spinal problems.

He uses specialist equipment for keyhole joint surgery and bone implants.

Mr Chandler said the course has enriched his knowledge of orthopaedics and enabled him to make contacts with both human surgeons and orthopaedic engineers, from whom he learnt different approaches to problems.

He plans to maintain contact with them to discuss new techniques and procedures.

“I am delighted to be in involved in this area of work,” he added.

“The extra knowledge gained can only be good for my patients.”

Mr Chandler trained to be a vet at Bristol University and also has a postgraduate qualification in small animal orthopaedics from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.