Cash in the kitty

 

The coin was later donated to PDSA’s £2million Plymouth hospital appeal.

 

André’s owner Diane Lawton, of West Park, noticed he hadn’t been looking his usual self for the past couple of weeks. He had begun losing weight, so she took him to Plymouth PDSA PetAid hospital in Durnford Street to get him checked out. 

 

“I was worrying that it was something to do with the long-term heart problem he’d been treated for”, Diane said. “On the day I took him to PDSA he didn’t look very well at all, and together with the weight loss, I thought it could be something serious.”

 

X-rays revealed that André had a penny coin lodged in his intestine, so vets immediately rushed him into theatre. Veterinary surgeon Erin Beale said: “It was vital we got André into surgery as soon as possible. At this point we didn’t know how long the coin had been in there and what damage the blockage could have already caused.” Erin and her team had to carefully operate on André’s stomach in a one hour operation.

 

“I was shocked and felt really guilty as I had no idea what had happened or how he managed to get hold of the coin,” said Diane. Luckily for André and the family, the operation went well and he was allowed home the next day.

 

“Cats are very inquisitive creatures, so we advise owners to keep small objects out of the reach of tiny paws,” said Erin. “They can easily swallow items such as coins and buttons, so people need to be careful when leaving small objects on tables and worktops. Needles are particularly dangerous, so sewing bags well out of the way of your cat.”

 

Diane added “I am so grateful for everything PDSA has done for André. The staff have been fantastic-I don’t know what I’d have done without them. We have donated André’s penny to them, as well as a bigger donation of our own, and I would urge everyone to help their pet hospital appeal”.

 

Plymouth PDSA PetAid hospital is currently trying to raise £2million for a new pet hospital to replace its current outdated premises. So far the appeal has raised £600,000 thanks to local businesses and supporters, but still needs to raise the remaining funds to realise its vision. To donate £2, text BUILD to 70099 or for more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk.