Multi-disciplinary approach at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals saves cat seriously injured in road traffic accident.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach Saves Cat Seriously Injured In RTA
1 year ago 
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A cat which suffered severe facial trauma after being hit by a vehicle is recovering at home following a multi-disciplinary approach to his treatment at a Swindon animal hospital.
Two-year-old Stan’s injuries were so severe that several departments including oral and maxillofacial, ophthalmology, neurology, anaesthesia and imaging, were closely involved in his care at Linnaeus-owned Eastcott Veterinary Referrals.
Initial treatment involved a CT scan which revealed multiple jaw and skull fractures, together with evidence that both of Stan’s eyes had ruptured.
It was agreed to stage his treatment, focusing on the more time sensitive procedures first, which included reversing a significant separation of his palate using oral splints and placing a feeding tube to bypass the area of trauma.
However, before Stan’s second stage of treatment he displayed intermittent episodes of unresponsiveness and was assessed by neurologist Alex Hamilton who gave him the all clear.
While neurological issues were ruled out, an assessment by the anaesthesia team found he had a heart rhythm not typically seen in cats, while blood work showed he had a low red blood cell count, so the procedure was delayed.
An ultrasound scan did not reveal any abnormalities of his heart and over the following days his demeanour improved dramatically, with further successful surgery on his fractured jaw performed.
When his red blood cell count was deemed high enough, he had his final procedures. A large plate was placed on the right side of his lower jaw to repair the fracture and both of his ruptured eyes were surgically removed. Stan was discharged home the next day with his feeding tube still in place.
James Haseler, resident in dentistry oral and maxillofacial surgery at Eastcott, said: “Stan suffered severe facial injuries, including multiple jaw and skull fractures.
“Unfortunately, both of Stan’s eyes had also ruptured and needed to be removed. Things were further complicated as Stan had an abnormal heart rhythm for a cat and a low red blood cell count, so surgery was performed only when it was safe to do so.
“But thanks to the combined efforts of multiple disciplines here at Eastcott all working together we were able to save his life.
“He is an amazing cat and has retained all of his great personality throughout his treatment.
“His owner, Angie, has also been nothing but positive for Stan, even when faced with the extent of his injuries and the fact he has lost both eyes.
“It’s also very encouraging to hear that Stan is eating small amounts of food by mouth, meaning his feeding tube should be removed, and that he is navigating very well around the house.”
Stan’s owner, Angie Gower from Neath, said: “To say Stan’s recovery is amazing is an understatement. As soon as he came home, he walked round the lounge and kitchen and climbed his cat tree.
“More recently, Stan regularly climbs over a four-foot wall with a trellis on top and jumps onto my next door neighbour’s garden shed, listening to the birds flying overhead and enjoying the sun.
“Stan has always been a very happy, contented cat and I am pleased to say he continues to be so despite the trauma he has experienced.”
For more information about Eastcott Veterinary Referrals visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk or search for Eastcott Referrals on social media.
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