Op on kitten with grape-sized heart

Tuesday 7th February 2012

A tiny stray kitten is recovering at The Blue Cross animal hospital in London Victoria after undergoing major chest surgery.

At only six weeks old and weighing just 400g, Violet is the smallest animal to undergo this type of operation.

Vets described her heart as being the "size of a grape", making the life-saving surgery even trickier.

Violet was brought to the hospital just after Christmas after being found abandoned in a shoebox. She was cold, hungry and underweight and vets were initially concerned about a deformity in one of her front legs.

However, they soon realised there was a much more serious problem when they noticed Violet was having problems breathing and swallowing food.

Investigations showed that the abnormal position of major blood vessels around Violet's heart were stopping her from swallowing and also causing breathing problems.

Jess Gower, The Blue Cross veterinary surgeon who carried out Violet's operation at the charity's flagship hospital, said: "We have never performed this operation on such a tiny kitten before, but it was important to act quickly or she may not have made it.

"The surgery was quite tricky as Violet's heart was only about the size of a grape, but it all went well and we're really pleased that she is making such a great recovery. She's a little fighter and will now grow into a happy and healthy cat."

Since her operation, Violet is putting on weight and can enjoy eating food. Once she has had treatment on her leg, she will be able to look for a new home.

To support the work of The Blue Cross, visit http://www.bluecross.org.uk.

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