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STORY OF THE MONTH
'Tiddles' the cat presented to Nine Lives Vets after being hit by a car. He had unfortunately taken a blow to the head but despite fracturing both upper and lower jaws, damaging his eye and being very uncomfortable, he was still purring and asking for affection.
Once stabilised, the tricky process of repairing Tiddles' mouth and skull was undertaken. Both his upper and lower jaws were wired, his palate was repaired and a feeding tube was placed so that we could support him whilst his jaws healed. The nursing staff did a fantastic job of feeding Tiddles four times a day until his wires and feeding tube could be removed after 5 weeks. Unfortunately we had to remove his right eye as it had been badly damaged in the accident and was very uncomfortable.
Throughout his stay Tiddles lapped up all the affection and showed tremendous bravery over the course of his treatment. He is now back to his old tricks and enjoying being home!
The surgery and team are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new vet Joy! She is coming from the Royal Veterinary College and is set to start at the end of July. Having a new member join our team will provide more available appointments, allow us to lift the current restrictions on registering new dogs and broaden our knowledge of new and upcoming therapy.
FLYSTRIKE!! With the warmer weather comes the risk of fly and maggot infestation to any rabbit, particuarly those with mucky bottoms. Please ensure you check your rabbit's bottom EVERY day and contact us if your bunny is at all unwell.
A new branch of the Cats Protection League has opened in Welwyn and Hatfield. The branch is doing very well and they have a variety of cats and kittens in need of loving homes. If you are interested in adopting or fostering a cat please contact 0845-3711855 or visit their website at http://www.welwynhatfield.cats.org.uk/
Fred the Green Basilisk: Fred was brought to the surgery by a client that had recently rehomed him. His previous owner had not kept him under suitable conditions so Fred was very poorly. He had metabolic bone disease due to insufficient UV lighting and had ingested the sand he was kept on, leading to an impaction in his gut (see xray image). He also had injuries to his tail and toes. Since starting treatment Fred is making a great recovery and is enjoying his new vivarium.
Hobo - our new practice pet
In December, the Cats Protection Legue brought a very poorly stray cat to the practice called HOBO (pictured left). Hobo had a very common disease of older cats called hyperthyroidism (due to both his
thyroid glands being enlarged) and also an inflammed mouth (stomatitis). Surgery was carefully done to remove the enlarged thyroid glands without damaging the surrounding important nerves and blood vessels.
Hobo has made a speedy recovery and gained weight quickly after his operation. Although his hyper
-thyroidism is completely cured he still requires regular monthly steroid injections to help control his sore mouth. He has stayed at the practice because we have grown very fond of him! He enjoys sleeping on the reception desk and sitting out in the sun!
st albans, redbourn, flamstead, markyate, hemel hempstead, harpenden, london colney, milton keynes, enfield, lee valley, wheathampstead, luton, dunstable,
Above: Tiddles had both upper and lower jaws wired and a feeding tube placed until he could eat by himself
