Kizzy Has Needle Removed from her Chest

Pets are naturally curious and will eat almost anything if it looks interesting.  However, small items eaten and swallowed can get lodged in the intestine or stomach and cause serious damage.  Pet owners should therefore be wary of small items lying around the home and ensure they are kept well out of reach of inquisitive pets.

Recently, Veterinary Surgeon Tiekie van Tonder of our Chichester clinic operated on Kizzy - an eight month old cat -  and successfully removed a two inch long sewing needle which was lodged deep in the Kizzy’s chest cavity only millimetres from her heart.

Kizzy and been troubled with a recurring problem of a wound on her neck which seemed to be unresponsive to antibiotics and refused to heal.  The wound had first appeared in April this year when she was adopted from a local rescue charity after her previous owner, an elderly lady, had moved into a care home.

Firstly,  the small puncture hole  was flushed with sterile and this was when a small piece of thread popped out.  This was the first indication that something more significant was going on.  X-rays were then taken and revealed a two inch sewing needle with thread still attached was firmly lodged deep down in Kizzy’s chest cavity. It was perilously close to her heart and had to be removed immediately.

Following a delicate procedure, the needle was retrieved from Kizzy’s neck without causing further damage to her internally.  She has now made a full recovery. 

Mrs Willshire, Kizzy's owner, believes she may have swallowed the needle several months ago when living with her previous owner. 

Although the needle was causing Kizzy little discomfort or pain, if it had moved, the consequences could have been disastrous.

Cats are known to get pleasure from sucking on wool or thread and, with this, can come the danger of accidentally swallowing pins and needles or other sharp objects.  Cat owners who are keen sewers should be aware!

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