Cats always land on their feet, but golden Labrador Billy did too by defying death after surviving a 30ft cliff fall.

The four-year-old pooch lost his bearings when out on a walk and fell a terrifying 30ft down a cliff, fracturing his neck.

Billy was out walking with paw-rents Charlotte Robinson and Richard Mitchell who said they were in disbelief when he fell from the rock face in rural Hawick, Northumberland.

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“We were terrified as Billy had essentially broken his neck,” they said.

The Northern Echo: Billy the day he came home from the vets after his terrifying fall.Billy the day he came home from the vets after his terrifying fall. (Image: PR)

He was fitted with a neck brace after an MRI scan found a mild vertebral displacement and placed on a strict cage rest and controlled exercise.

Charlotte and Richard, from Morpeth, added: “We were reassured that not all neck injuries need surgery, which gave us hope.

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“He had about three months of cage rest, physio and hydrotherapy but is now a normal dog again. He has wobbly moments but doesn’t care when he’s running at what looks like 90mph!”

The Northern Echo: Billy with brother Zac.Billy with brother Zac. (Image: PR)

Vets decided Billy could avoid surgery and instead undergo hydrotherapy using a hi-tech underwater treadmill for his recovery.

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Hydrotherapist Lynne Burdis from Wear Referrals’ veterinary practice in Bradbury, County Durham, explained: “Using an underwater treadmill enabled us to work alongside Billy to ensure he was balanced naturally and fully supported throughout his sessions.

The Northern Echo: Billy at hydrotherapy.Billy at hydrotherapy. (Image: PR)

“Applying the buoyancy effect of the water and altering the water and incline levels also meant we could adapt the equipment to Billy’s requirements and encourage a better walking pattern.”

Billy is now back to running around like a normal dog and is making a full recovery.