Page 5 - Paws and Hooves - Autumn 2025

PATIENT
STORY

Milo’s miracle

recovery

When four-month-old Milo began showing worrying chance of recovery, the risks were high, particularly
signs of lethargy, a poor appetite, and odd behaviours due to the possibility of post-attenuation neurological
around mealtimes, his owner, Heather, initially put it syndrome (PANS), which can be fatal.
down to teething or personality. However, it soon Thankfully, Milo defied expectations with no evidence
became clear something more serious was happening of PANS. Whilst recovering from surgery Milo spent five
when Milo became disoriented and unresponsive. days under close observation at the RVC Small Animal
Referrals Hospital, including a stay in the Cat Ward.
After initial blood tests were taken, Milo was referred to Funded by ACT supporters and the Petplan Charitable
the RVC Emergency and Critical Care Service, where they Trust, this specially designed ward is tailored to feline
quickly stabilised him. Further tests and a scan using a CT needs, including sound-dampening plastic kennels and
scanner funded by the Animal Care Trust (ACT), confirmed soothing classical music, enabling a relaxed environment
the cause – a liver condition known as an extrahepatic which supported Milo’s recovery.
portosystemic shunt, which meant toxins normally filtered by
the liver were entering Milo’s bloodstream. When Milo returned home, his
transformation was immediate. His
Following stabilisation, Milo was sent home with medication coat became thicker, his appetite
and a low protein diet to help manage the condition. Once improved, and he started
stable, he returned to the RVC Soft Tissue Surgery Service behaving like a healthy kitten
for a complex procedure to partially close the abnormal for the first time. In the weeks
blood vessel. While surgery offered the best that followed, Milo continued to
grow stronger, gaining weight
Grace Thomas, and confidence. A repeat liver
RVC Resident in Small Animal Surgery: function test revealed outstanding
results. He was able to come off
For Milo to beat the odds medication, begin transitioning to
normal food, and now lives a happy, active life,
and sail through the surgery joined by his new feline friend, Gizmo.
and recovery with no cause for Milo after treatment Heather, Milo’s
owner shared:
concern was absolutely fantastic “Without the CT
– and he will now live life as a scan, we wouldn’t
have known what
happy, healthy cat. was wrong with Milo
without putting him
through invasive
Milo at the RVC just procedures.
after treatment, and
below, before. Knowing it was
available brought
comfort and meant
fewer risks. The care
and compassion
from the RVC
team made all the
difference. We’re so
grateful to everyone
who made his
treatment possible."

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