Mash is a very well-loved and laid-back young cat. He and his brother Waffle love playing and having snuggles. Mash is a big fan of dreamies, loves to carry his pillow around with him and can often be found sleeping in the bath at home!
One afternoon in April Mash was rushed into us after his owners felt he “wasn’t right” and didn’t seem able to stand properly at home. The vet found a large area of bruising on his tummy and an abnormal swelling.
Mash was admitted to hospital and stabilised before being sedated for closer examination. X-rays and an ultrasound scan confirmed our suspicions that his abdominal muscles had been torn away from their attachment to the pelvic bone.
This meant that his internal abdominal organs only had a thin layer of skin between them and the outside world!
Lauren, who is one of our more experienced surgeons, embarked upon Mash’s surgery. As the abdominal muscles had torn away along with its tendon from the pelvic attachment, there was nothing to stitch back together.
A series of small holes were drilled through the pelvic bone to take some strong sutures which anchored the tendon back in place. With the abdominal muscles successfully secured back in position, she was able to close up the soft tissues and skin. Then Mash could start the process of healing.
We suspect it was a road traffic accident that caused this level of trauma but are happy to report that Mash has made a full recovery. He behaved impeccably throughout his recovery! Mash was the model patient as he recuperated in his crate wearing a buster collar and taking his medications.
He is now back to normal, doing his favourite things including those snuggles with Waffle!
A note from Mash’s owners: ‘We are eternally grateful Lauren and you guys at Bicester vets for all you’ve done & your quick action, it could have been a different story. On another note, insure your cats. If I hadn’t had cat insurance, I’m not sure we could when done the treatment he required.’
See images of the surgery performed below but be warned that quite graphic
Belle had her salivary gland removed!
If left untreated, salivary mucocoeles can continue to grow and cause pain
Beautiful Bella had been shot!
We are all horrified that someone’s pet cat could be shot like this and are thankful that the pellet stopped short of the chest.
High-tech Anaesthetic Machine at Bicester Vets
We have invested in an advanced anaesthetic machine which will help to make anaesthetising pets even safer
