Case Summary
Harley, a British Blue cat, was found after being missing for 36 hours and was immediately taken to his local vet for emergency care. On examination, a small but deep circular wound was found on his left flank. X-rays showed that this was an entry wound caused by an airgun pellet.
A lateral radiograph (X-ray) of Harley’s abdomen with the airgun pellet within it.
Patient and Issue Summary
Later that evening, Harley was referred urgently to Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists for further investigation. Our on call surgeon, Vicky Roberts took over his care. An ultrasound scan revealed that the pellet had entered through his body wall and travelled across his abdomen, damaging his right kidney in the process.
At that stage, there were no signs of internal bleeding, so the team decided to give Harley supportive treatment overnight to try to avoid surgery and preserve his kidney. However, by the next morning, his blood tests showed that urine was leaking from the damaged kidney into the surrounding tissue, which was causing his kidney values to rise to dangerous levels. Surgery could no longer be delayed.
Treatment
During the operation, the entry and exit holes through the kidney were clearly visible, along with hair in the wound. Urine was also leaking directly from the kidney. Unfortunately, the damage was too severe to repair, and the kidney had to be removed.
Photograph taken during surgery showing Harley’s right kidney and a clear bullet tract impacted with hair.
Harley’s anaesthetic was unstable at times, and our anaesthesia team responded immediately with emergency medication to stabilise him. Thanks to their efforts and the skill of the surgical team, he pulled through and began his recovery.
Outcome and Recovery
Harley remained in hospital for 10 days. During this time, he received round-the-clock nursing care, including feeding through a tube, managing his surgical drain, and keeping him comfortable. Our Cardiologist, Will Davis, helped manage Harley’s fluid levels and heart function throughout his recovery.
Cardboard boxes are Harley’s favourite place to make a bed.
After a long stay, Harley was finally well enough to return home, and was reunited with his feline friend Rocco. The first week back home was challenging, as Harley was quiet and not eating much, but with the care of his family, support from his primary care vets, and ongoing advice from our team – including our amazing feline medicine clinician, Sam Taylor, he steadily improved.
Harley is now making great strides in his recovery – he’s enjoying the sunshine, eating well and gaining back the weight he lost. Thankfully, cases like this are extremely rare. But when they do happen, it takes a whole team of specialists working together to give patients the best chance of recovery. For Harley, this included surgery, imaging, anaesthesia, cardiology, internal medicine and expert nursing care.
Harley enjoying a nap, reuniting with his feline friend Rocco, and a rest in the sunshine.
We’re proud of the part we played in helping Harley recover – and we’re so happy to see him back where he belongs.
