Lexi Eats Hair Ties and Survives

Lexi

Patient details

Name: Lexi
Age: 10 years old
Breed: Devon Rex
Gender: Female

Lexi presented at CSS with a reduced appetite and vomiting.

Despite initial concerns that cancer might be present, she had simply swallowed something unexpected.

This sweet and playful cat underwent a series of procedures to resolve the issue, and we’re glad to have helped her feel better.

While she may not fully comprehend the consequences of eating hair ties, we hope she has lost her appetite for them.

Patient history

Weekend hospitalisation 2024

Lexi was hospitalised after presenting with vomiting and reduced appetite. X-rays revealed a mass in her stomach, raising concerns about a potential cancerous growth. Lexi was then transferred to CSS for further investigation.

Abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy

Dr Rachel Korman performed an abdominal ultrasound that indicated the mass was a foreign body rather than tissue. After anaesthetising Lexi, the team conducted an endoscopy, which revealed a large clump of hair ties in her stomach.

Surgical intervention

Attempts to remove the hair ties via the endoscope were unsuccessful, as the clump was too large to extract. Lexi was then transferred to surgery at VSS, where Dr Nick Cleland performed a gastrotomy and successfully removed about fifteen hair ties.

Outcome

Lexi stayed overnight at CSS following her surgery and was discharged the next day.

Lexi
Lexi
Phyllis

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

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Han presented after limping on his hind leg for two weeks following an accident at home. An X-ray revealed a fractured growth plate in his hip, requiring surgery to repair the injury.

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Coco stayed with us at CSS while recovering from a nephrectomy (the surgical kidney removal). After months of unsuccessful treatment for a ureteral obstruction, this became necessary.

 

Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

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Saturday/Sunday - Closed

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