A much-loved family cat named Henry has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing life-saving surgery to remove a brain tumour. The seven-year-old domestic short-haired cat had a titanium skull fitted during a complex two-hour procedure at Bristol Vet Specialists, one of the UK’s most advanced animal hospitals.
Henry was taken to the hospital by his owner, Maggie Gibb, after weeks of worrying symptoms. He had stopped eating properly and was becoming increasingly lethargic. Maggie had grown concerned as his condition steadily worsened. “We thought he was just slowing down with age,” she said, but the subtle signs were actually masking a serious issue.
Upon arrival at the hospital, a team of neurologists immediately assessed Henry’s condition and noticed he was struggling to walk, a potential sign of a brain-related problem. He was swiftly placed in the hospital’s state-of-the-art MRI scanner, where it was discovered that a large mass was pressing on his brain. The specialists identified the mass as a likely meningioma, a type of tumour that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Henry was rushed into surgery, where a team of surgeons and nurses performed a craniotomy, a procedure that involves removing part of the skull to access the brain. The tumour was successfully removed, and the team used a titanium mesh to replace the part of the skull that had been removed, creating a strong, protective cover for Henry’s brain. The intricate surgery took over two hours to complete.
Afterwards, tests confirmed that the tumour was benign, and Henry’s prognosis was good. Just days after the operation, Henry was already back on his feet, showing signs of recovery. Six months later, Henry has returned to his normal self, with his new hair growth covering any visible signs of the surgery.
Maggie expressed her relief and joy at Henry’s recovery. “Henry’s condition must have been affecting him long before the symptoms appeared, but it was so subtle. Now he’s like a younger version of himself – he’s playing like a kitten again, running around in the mornings, and his eating habits have completely changed. I can’t put into words how grateful I am that he’s been given another chance at life.”
Dr Nicolas Granger, the veterinary surgeon who led the operation, explained how difficult it can be for owners to detect early signs of illness in their pets. “In cases like Henry’s, the symptoms are often so subtle that they can be mistaken for natural ageing. By the time the pressure on the brain increases, emergency surgery is required. Fortunately, with the right equipment and skilled teams, the outcomes can be very successful.”
Bristol Vet Specialists is one of the UK’s largest animal hospitals, boasting a 30,000 sq. ft. facility equipped with cutting-edge technology and some of the most experienced veterinary professionals in the world. The hospital provides a wide range of services, including neurology, orthopaedics, cardiology, oncology, and more, ensuring the best possible care for its patients.
For more information, visit www.bristolvetspecialists.co.uk.
