AN ABANDONED kitten has been given the gift of sight thanks to Solihull vets.
Stevie the kitten was just four months old when she was rescued by staff at Cramar Cat Sanctuary near Wythall along with her sister, Wanda.
Staff soon noticed she suffered from eyelid agenesis – a birth defect which affects development of the eyelids and can lead to ocular discomfort, corneal ulcers and even eye removal.
But specialist ophthalmology surgeons at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service on Highlands Road in Shirley knew what to do.
Using innovative techniques, the vets took a skin graft from Stevie’s lip to help reconstruct an eyelid for her left eye.
The now two-year-old, who received her final surgery last month, now has complete function in both eyelids.
Mike Rhodes, a European and RCVS specialist in veterinary ophthalmology at Willows, said: “My wife works at the cat sanctuary and noticed that Stevie was in chronic discomfort so asked me to take a look.
“These types of operations are rarely performed due the condition being relatively uncommon as well as the costs involved in referral, especially in a charity/rescue situation, but I’m pleased to say that Stevie has made a full recovery.”
Stevie was adopted alongside Wanda before her operations by Sam and Paul David, who said she is much happier feline since the surgery.
Sam said: “I can’t thank Mike and Willows Animal Hospital enough for the service they have provided.
“It really is an amazing place and I’m very grateful to Cramar Cat Sanctuary for referring us there.
“Although Stevie didn’t seem to be in pain before, she was often grumpy and feisty.
“Now she is very placid and gets on well with everyone – although she’s definitely a daddy’s girl.”
Visit www.willows.uk.net to find out more about the services on offer.
