The UK's leading veterinary charity has revealed that thousands of life-threatening animal illnesses could be prevented through the neutering or vaccination of pets. 

PDSA vets have saved the life of a dog who was at death’s door after developing a life-threatening condition.

The UK’s leading veterinary charity is raising awareness of neutering and vaccinations by highlighting the story of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Stella.

Stella was taken to Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital by her owner, Deborah Oak, who had become concerned by her dog’s odd behaviour and the size of her bulging stomach.

Vets examined the critically ill dog and, following an ultrasound, she was diagnosed as suffering from pyometra – a serious infection of the womb, which can prove deadly. To make matters worse, Stella was found to have a ‘closed pyometra’, an even more dangerous condition which increases the risk of blood poisoning as the toxins have no way of leaving the body.

Stella, 11, was rushed in for emergency surgery and Deborah was warned that her beloved dog’s condition was very serious.

PDSA vets were stunned upon removing the infected womb to learn that it weighed 2.2kg – around a fifth of Stella’s bodyweight. If it had not been removed she would have died.

PDSA Nurse Team Leader, Karen Jones, said: “When Stella was brought in she was in a very bad way. It soon became apparent that she was suffering from a pyometra and she was rushed in for emergency surgery.

“Pyometra is a horrible condition but it can be easily prevented through neutering. Too many pets are needlessly developing the condition when it is so easy to prevent. Thanks to over half a million pounds of funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’re now able to educate more owners about the risks of these illnesses, and prevent other pets becoming sick like Stella.”

Deborah, 34, of Newport, said that she was indebted to PDSA for saving Stella’s life.

She said: “I knew something was desperately wrong as Stella was very swollen and she also became aggressive, which is really out of character.
“When I took her in the vets told me that they would need to operate on her straight away. I’ve never been so scared, she’s like my baby and I was terrified I was going to lose her.

“Thankfully she survived and is doing great now. I’m hugely grateful to PDSA for everything they’ve done for Stella and I now tell everyone I know to get their pets spayed to avoid going through the hell I did.”