Bear

Six-month-old kitten, Bear, needed emergency surgery at PDSA after swallowing string from beef packaging.

When Bear Simpson refused his food on Boxing Day in 2023, his owner, Joshua from Darlington, County Durham, knew that something was seriously wrong with his four-legged friend.

The morning started like any other day when Bear polished off his morning meal.

Joshua explained: “Bear ate normally that morning, but he suddenly started being sick not long after finishing his meal. We didn’t think much of it at the time because we know it can be normal for cats to vomit occasionally. But when he was due to be fed again at lunchtime, he refused to eat. We were quite worried as Bear usually loves his food. And the worst part was I could tell he really wanted to eat but instead he kept looking at his food and meowing.”

Fearing for Bear’s health, Joshua took him to a private vet. On hearing Bear’s symptoms and after an examination, the team started Bear on treatment for constipation and a stomach upset. The vets gave him an anti-sickness injection and hydrated him with fluids, but they warned Joshua that if Bear didn’t improve with this treatment, he would need further investigations.

Joshua added: “Following the vet’s diagnosis, we took Bear home to monitor him closely and gave him fluids every two hours. We also blended his food to make it easier for him to eat, but sadly, he continued to be sick.

“We took him back to the vets and explained that he wasn’t getting any better. Bear now needed further tests to find out what was happening, but unfortunately, we couldn’t afford to pay any more as I was between jobs at the time.”

After hearing about their financial circumstances, the private practice recommended Joshua get in touch with PDSA, so he called them straight away and to his relief he was eligible for free vet care.

Joshua continued: “At our appointment at PDSA, the vet checked him over and said that he needed x-rays to find out if something might be stuck inside his stomach.”

PDSA Vet, Gabrielle Fish, said: “Bear was admitted for intravenous fluid therapy and pain relief, as he was very dehydrated and also now had a painful tummy.

“We kept Bear in overnight for treatment and to monitor him to make sure that he was stable and ready for x-rays under sedation in the morning. The x-rays confirmed our suspicions that there was an obstruction in his intestines., which we needed to remove immediately.   

“Bear was given general anaesthetic before we performed abdominal surgery to remove the object. We found that a string of some sort had become lodged in the stomach while the other end continued to travel through the intestines all the way to the caecum (beginning of the large intestine).

“The intestines were all bunched up along the string, causing a ‘cheese wire’ effect, as the tight string pulled through the soft tissue of the intestines, acting like a saw and damaging them. Thankfully, we managed to remove the string. However, we also had to remove two inches of the intestines as they were too badly damaged to be repaired.”

Due to the risk of peritonitis (a life-threatening infection of the inner lining of the tummy), Joshua was warned that there was a high risk of death. Bear was transferred to recovery after surgery and kept in overnight for close monitoring. He was put on a fluid drip, given pain relief and intravenous antibiotics.

Bear was able to return home the following day but with strict care guidance, pain relief and antibiotics. With love and care from his family and regular checkups at PDSA, Bear made a full recovery.

Joshua said: “He’s doing fantastic now and is back to his normal self. The only thing that’s changed, is that there’s no filling him up since his operation. He seems hungrier than ever.

“When the vets showed us what they’d pulled out of Bear I immediately recognised it – the netting off the roast beef we’d had on Christmas Day! In the chaos of the day, we must’ve left it out, and he’d been attracted by the smell. We felt awful, so now we’re careful to put everything away immediately and never leave food or leftovers out.”

Gabrielle added: “From decorations to the oils produced by real Christmas trees, many things could harm your pet during the festive season. And, as most pets are curious and won’t waste any time exploring all the new items that suddenly appear, owners must think ahead and be aware of any potential dangers.”

Speaking about their bond with Bear, Joshua said: “He always sleeps on my chest and likes to make biscuits. He’s always there for everyone, so loving and always makes you smile even on the toughest days. We love everything about Bear and there’s nothing we would change – even if he can be quite cheeky.

“This was our first time using PDSA and the treatment was outstanding. I want to say a huge thank you to PDSA for all their help and support. Without the incredible team at Middlesborough Pet Hospital, we wouldn’t have Bear here today as we couldn’t afford his life-saving operation anywhere else.”

Total cost of Bear’s treatment: £843.09

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 49 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we treat over 430,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Bear's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for cats like Bear without your support. Please consider donating today.

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