Bath Cats and Dogs Home

In September 2021, Bath Cats and Dogs Home received £19,616 towards its vet bills. This RSPCA branch houses cats and dogs from its site near the centre of Bath. Here are two case studies of pets that directly benefitted from the grant.

Marley 

Signed over into Bath Cats and Dogs Home as the owner could not afford the vet fees, Marley was diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatitis and was dangerously thin from diarrhoea. It was clear that Marley’s recovery with them would be long, and he spent 358 days in their care. 

It takes time to get the correct dose of insulin medication, so their vets had to test Marley’s blood every few weeks by completing a glucose curve. The results were then used to adjust his medication and food plan. A glucose sensor implant was a game-changer in being able to monitor him closely and quickly react to his condition as needed. 

Every day, Marley’s carers gave him two insulin injections spaced 12 hours apart; his diet was also carefully regulated with specialist food weighed to exact measures.

With this continuous medical care over eight months, Marley’s health was stabilised, and finally, they could be confident in him being adopted. As he waited, a foster home was found for him so he could enjoy some home comforts again and then, nearly a year after being admitted, he found his forever home.

Bella 

Like all animals that come into their care, Greyhound cross Saluki Bella was given a thorough examination by our veterinary team when she was admitted just before Christmas 2021. This revealed that she had a large lump on her side and four smaller ones around her nipples, so after tests and other diagnostic studies had been completed, they decided that when she was spayed, they would also remove these mammary tumours.  

Although the operation was a success, there were complications caused by blood clotting issues, causing terrible bruising around the area of the wound, which then became infected with e.coli which then had to be treated with an intensive course of antibiotics. Also, poor Bella had terrible separation anxiety at night, tearing her blankets up but cheering up during the day as she spent time in the office next to the Veterinary Suite, where the veterinary staff could keep a close eye on her. As the wound had to be flushed and dressed twice a day, the healing process was very slow and labour-intensive.  

It took over three months before she could be considered for adoption, but by April, Bella had found her forever home and was fit and well enough to really enjoy it! 

If you’re a rescue in need of financial support to help cover veterinarian bills, please see our rescue grant programme details here.