Atwood is a one-year-old Scottish Straight shorthair who came to Lort Smith with breathing difficulty.
"She was also over-grooming, off her food and not behaving like herself," says her concerned carer, Catherine.
Our team carried out a range of tests, including blood tests, chest X-rays, a cardiac ultrasound, fluid analysis and culture, and cytology of the skin.
Atwood was diagnosed with pyothorax: inflammatory fluid or pus in the chest cavity (the area between the lungs and the inner walls of the ribs). Pyothorax is generally caused by a bacterial infection and is life-threatening.
Atwood was also anaemic, and had developed skin lesions from over-grooming. This was possibly caused by an allergy to flea treatments or diet.
We are so lucky to have such dedicated and skilled vets and nurses at Lort Smith as well as the amazing facilities there.
Catherine, Atwood's carer
Round-the-clock care
Atwood's prognosis was poor, but our team was determined to do everything possible for this much-loved cat.
She had around-the-clock care in our Intensive Care Unit and was placed in an oxygen crib. A drain was placed in her chest cavity to remove the fluid and pus. She was given antibiotics and pain relief, and our vet nurses fed her by syringe.
As the days passed, Atwood's chest continued to drain slowly and she began to eat on her own. She became feistier, which showed she was regaining her strength, and her catitude!
All up, Atwood spent eight days at Lort Smith before our vets were comfortable she was out of the woods. She went home with oral medication, wearing a cone of shame, to her very relieved and doting family.
Trust your instincts
Atwood survived because her carer was observant and knew she was behaving out of the ordinary. If you have concerns about your pet's health, don't hesitate to call Lort Smith on 03 9328 3021, or see our emergency information if you think it's an emergency.
"We are so lucky to have such dedicated and skilled vets and nurses at Lort Smith as well as the amazing facilities there. Without the medical care and loving attention she received, including a procedure late on a Saturday night, Atwood wouldn't have celebrated her first birthday this week – we will always be so grateful to everyone who looked after her and all the other animals for whom they care!" says Catherine.
Atwood is as happy as a clam to be back with her family, and intends to make the most of her remaining eight lives!