Leicester cat loses eye after air gun attack
VETS at Leicester PDSA PetAid hospital have come to the rescue of a Loughborough cat called Mischief, who was the unfortunate victim of a ruthless air gun attack which resulted in him losing an eye.
When the happy-go-lucky eight-month-old cat came home with his tail between his legs, owner Mrs Julie Hazell knew something was wrong. After taking a closer look at her beloved cat, she noticed a number of strange wounds on his head, and immediately rushed him to Leicester PDSA PetAid hospital for help. PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Julia Behrends, who treated Mischief comments: “As soon as I saw Mischief, I knew his injuries were consistent with an air gun attack.
He was in a very sorry state and I was particularly concerned about his right eye, which had been badly damaged in the attack. There was also a very real possibility that the pellets had caused brain damage”. X-rays confirmed Julia’s suspicions. No fewer than two air gun pellets and three pieces of shot were lodged in poor Mischief’s skull. Although every effort was made to save Mischief’s eye, the damage was too severe, and Julia had no choice but to remove it.
Julia continues: “Thankfully, there doesn’t seem to be any permanent brain or skull damage. During surgery we were able to remove the pellets, but the pieces of shot have been left where they are - to take them out could have caused more harm”.
Many pets each year are maimed or injured as a result of air gun attacks and PDSA is urging pet owners to be watchful and always report any such cases to the local police, the press and local vets. This can help publicise the risk and hopefully save lives.
Mischief’s owner, Mrs Julie Hazell comments:
“I was both shocked and appalled when I saw the injuries on Mischief’s head. He was extremely weak when I found him and I’m just glad he managed to make it back home, otherwise he may never have been found. The PDSA vets were fantastic, without them he wouldn’t be here today. By telling people what happened I hope it will help prevent further injury and heartache for other pet owners”.
PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Julia Behrends continues:
“If you find a wound, or if your pet is showing symptoms of pain, contact your vet as soon as you can”, advises Julia. “An air gun wound will have a distinctive hole with a reddened or burnt edge. Bear in mind that the entry wounds are small and are often buried in the cat’s fur making them difficult to see, so please check your cat over thoroughly on a regular basis”.
Mischief is one of an average of 90 sick and injured pets seen by Leicester PDSA PetAid hospital every day. The PetAid hospital provides free veterinary treatment for pets of owners who are unable to afford private vets fees.
Traditional Pet Names Out of Favour
TRADITIONAL pet names such as Rover, Spot and Lucky have been put down in favour of proper family names, according to research from pet insurer Virgin Money.
A study of the names given by Virgin Money Pet Insurance policyholders shows that Molly, Charlie and Max are now the post popular pet names. Although Lucky just sneaks into the Top 100 at joint 78th, both Rover and Spot fail to get into the entire list. It seems that these traditional names are no longer fashionable amongst pet lovers.
With dogs and cats being part of the family, it’s not surprising that they’re given popular boys and girls names.
The Top 10 list shows that they are all in the Top 100 baby names in England and Wales for 2004. The top pet name, Molly, is the 20th most popular girls name. Charlie is the 16th most popular boys name and Max is 36th on the list.
* With thanks to UK Pets.
Position --- Name --- Position in Boy/Girl List Boy/Girl List
1 --- Molly ---- 20
2 --- Charlie --- 16
3 --- Max --- 36
4 --- Millie --- 22
5 --- Oscar --- 58
6 --- Poppy --- 45
7 --- Harvey --- 32
8 --- Rosie --- 59
8 --- Alfie --- 27
10 --- Harry --- 11
10 --- Jack --- 1
10 --- Lucy --- 6
10 --- Sam --- 6
To the rescue! - an update
Regular readers will recall our series about a litter of Siamese kittens last autumn called ‘To The Rescue’. Here is an update on one of those kittens...
“Just turned adult, Pepper is living in Yorkshire. We originally knew her as Hercules... not very fitting for a kitten that turned into such a pretty young lady, as I am sure you would agree. Hard to imagine that this beautifully cared for, plump young Tabby Point was the 52 gram scrap of life who came into rescue!
She lives with her friend Johnny - a Siamese handicapped from birth by sight problems. It has taken a while, but they are now the best of friends. Somewhat naughty at times, Pepper has a taste for chewing fabric, but her owners are patient and loving and delighted with their “rescued” girl. Litter mates, Hannah, Toby and Hector, have also settled beautifully, and all now weigh between seven and eight pounds, and are happy, active cats. Regrettably, their owners do not use digital cameras!
We wish them all a happy and contented future.
Multi-tasking!
Lorraine Greetham won BOV with LORRCLAWS YOGI BEAR at the Essex Cat Club Show. The editorial text in the show feature in the last issue of Our Cats, by Marc Henrie, was inaccurate, and should have read...
“Lorraine began in the cat world 17 years ago when she showed British Silver Spotted, Adixish Silver Cadence, from Mr & Mrs Andrews, which was sired by Gr Ch Sargenta Silver Alfred. Due to family commitments, showing was put on hold. Then three years ago she returned to the show world with a British Blue, Achuri Sweetheart, from Miss Ruth Stiles, and from Sue Payne, Eeyores Estasha, another British Blue, who is the dam of Lorrclaws Yogi Bear.
Lorraine told me that Denise Conway had advised her on presentation and genetics and had been a great help and support to her, along with Colin Evans and Ch Thornchase Mugello. Lorrains is married to Chris and has three grown up sons”.
