Pet E.R - Scratch

Name: Scratch
Age: 3 years
Breed: Domestic short hair
Owner: Lynsey Ellis

What happened: After going missing, Scratch was eventually found lying under a bed not moving.

Owner's comment: I heard a faint cry and when I looked under the bed, Scratch was just lying there; he wasn't moving and looked terrible. I had no idea what had happened to him, but knew he needed help immediately.

Action taken: PDSA vets examined Scratch and an ultrasound scan showed that Scratch's diaphragm - the muscle layer that separates the abdomen from the chest - was torn, making it very difficult to breathe. He had an operation to repair the tear and was taken to the recovery ward to rest. He's now made a full recovery.

Vet's comment: When Scratch came in he was very cold and was having trouble breathing. His claws were frayed, which is a typical sign of a road traffic accident in a cat, so I suspected that's what had casued his injuries.