Doncaster Vets Perform Life-Saving Surgery on Cat Who Swallowed a Nickel

Owners of a poorly kitten have praised the Doncaster vets practice that saved her after discovering she had swallowed a 5p coin. The kitten, Poppy, was taken to Arundell Vets after she started vomiting, lost her appetite, and stopped going to the toilet. Vet Susana Recio examined Poppy and could feel something hard in her stomach. X-rays revealed a 5p coin in Poppy's stomach. The 5p coin was surgically removed, and Poppy is now back to her mischievous self at home.

Doncaster Vets Perform Life-Saving Surgery on Cat Who Ingested 5p Coin

In a remarkable feat of veterinary expertise, the team at Arundell Vets in Doncaster, England, has successfully saved the life of a young kitten named Poppy after she ingested a potentially fatal foreign object—a 5p coin.

A Puzzling Illness

Poppy's owners, Jackie and Tony Thurlow, initially noticed their beloved feline companion exhibiting concerning symptoms, including vomiting, loss of appetite, and infrequent urination. Concerned, they sought veterinary attention at Arundell Vets, where veterinarian Susana Recio began a thorough examination.

Upon palpating Poppy's abdomen, Recio detected an unusual hard mass. To further investigate, Poppy was sedated and an X-ray scan was performed. The results were startling: a round, metallic object was lodged within the kitten's stomach.

Surgical Intervention Saves the Day

Recio immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. The foreign object, identified as a 5p coin, posed a serious risk of intestinal rupture or peritonitis, a potentially fatal abdominal infection. Without prompt surgical intervention, Poppy's life was in danger.

With the Thurlows' consent, Recio performed a delicate operation to remove the coin. The procedure required meticulous precision to avoid damaging Poppy's delicate digestive system. Fortunately, the surgery was a complete success, and the coin was safely extracted.

A Miracle for Poppy

Poppy's owners were overjoyed at the successful outcome of the surgery. Had the coin remained undetected, it could have had catastrophic consequences for their cherished pet. According to Recio, "Without surgery, her bowel would have ruptured and caused septic peritonitis, which can be fatal."

A Warning to Pet Owners

Arundell Vets is using Poppy's case to highlight the importance of seeking prompt veterinary attention if a pet exhibits suspicious behavior, such as ingesting foreign objects. Jackie Thurlow emphasizes, "If anyone is at all concerned that their pet has swallowed a foreign body, my advice is to go to your vet as soon as possible."

A Curious Cat and a Relieved Family

Despite her mischievous nature, Poppy has made a remarkable recovery and is back to her playful self at home. Her owners have taken measures to "Poppy-proof" their home, removing potential hazards that could tempt her curious nature.

Recio advises pet owners to be mindful of household items that could be harmful if ingested by animals. "Vets see a wide range of foreign bodies ingested by pets, from coins to batteries to toys," she warns. "It's important to keep these items out of reach and to supervise pets when they are playing with small objects."

Poppy's story serves as a reminder of the crucial role veterinarians play in safeguarding the health and well-being of our furry companions. Thanks to the exceptional care provided by Arundell Vets, Poppy has a second chance at a happy and healthy life.