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When "Salt" was brought into the surgery after
he had been missing for 5 days I knew fairly early on during
the consultation that there was something seriously wrong.
I was immediately alerted to that fact when his owner commented
that despite being away for 5 days he had refused food on
his return. His frayed claws suggested he had been involved
in a road traffic accident.
When I listened to his chest with my stethoscope his heart
sounded very loudly on the left hand side and muffled on
the right. This was a sure sign that we were dealing with
a potentially life threatening situation. His owner was
made aware of my concerns and consented to further x-rays
of his chest.
It was obvious from the findings that the muscle (diaphragm)
which separates the contents of his abdomen from the workings
of his chest had ruptured. This had then allowed his liver,
stomach and bowel to move through into his chest cavity
severely restricting his breathing capabilities. ( First
x-ray)
After informing his owners of the seriousness of the situation,the
costs involved and the possibility that despite our best
efforts he may not survive his owners decided to give him
a chance as he was so young (two years old).
Once given the green light I am very proud to say the Fairfield
team sprang into action. Without the assistance of my conscientious
colleague Michele,
who came in on her week-end off, and the experience and
dilligence of my veterinary nurse Lucy my surgical efforts
would all have been in vain.
Together we repositioned the liver, stomach and bowel back
to where they should be and repaired the torn muscle.(second
x-ray) A chest drain was placed, Salt was allowed to recover
from the anaesthetic and then we all crossed our fingers!
Miraculously, he was eating his dinner within 3 hours of
the operation. A testimony to the remarkable recovery capabilities
of cats!
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