Among the Mowbray Veterinary Clinic team, a remarkable story of resilience and survival captured the attention of our veterinary team and community alike. Doug, a spirited three-year-old Tonkinese cat, faced what could have been a tragic fate after a terrifying encounter with a tiger snake. This month, we want to share Doug’s journey, a testament to the strength of our furry friends and the dedication of our veterinary professionals.
Doug’s story of resilience and survival surprised us and his owners when he was bitten by a suspected tiger snake. Doug had only just turned 3 years old at the time. Normally, Doug a playful, active cat around his home in Riverside.
The Day Everything Changed
It was a typical day for Doug and his family until he went missing. His owners searched high and low but couldn’t find him. As evening fell, worry set in, and they continued their search. It was around 10 PM when Doug was finally discovered in the garage, and the sight was alarming. He was cold, paralyzed, and his pulse was weak. Panic ensued, and his family rushed him to Mowbray Veterinary Clinic, where our dedicated team was ready to help.
The Battle Against Time
Upon arrival, our veterinarians quickly assessed Doug’s condition. It was clear that he had suffered a snake bite, and he was in critical condition. The team acted swiftly, administering antivenom to counteract the effects of the venom. One of our skilled veterinarians stayed by Doug’s side until 2 AM, monitoring his vital signs and providing the care he desperately needed.
The situation was dire. Doug required a blood transfusion, and fortunately, help was just a paw away. His housemate, Ice Cream, a gentle Burmese cat, stepped up to donate blood, providing Doug with the life-saving support he needed. With the transfusion complete, Doug showed signs of improvement, but the road to recovery was just beginning.
A Long Road to Recovery
In addition to the antivenom and blood transfusion, Doug needed more intensive care. To ensure he received adequate nutrition, a feeding tube was placed, allowing our team to provide him with the necessary sustenance while he regained his strength.
Doug’s recovery was closely monitored over the following days. His fighting spirit shone through as he began to show signs of improvement. Slowly but surely, he regained mobility and warmth, much to the relief of his family and our veterinary team.
The Power of Community and Care
Doug’s story is not just about survival; it’s about the incredible bond between pets and their owners, the compassion and skills of a well-trained veterinary team and how important it is to act quickly in emergency situations.
From his owners’ quick response to Ice Cream’s life-saving blood donation and our staff’s late-night dedication, every act of care played a role in bringing Doug back to health.
A few days after his treatment, Doug began walking again—slow, shaky steps at first, but full of determination. It took a few days, but we were excited to see him head home with his owners in Riverside. His owners let us know during his follow-ups that he was back in his favorite sunny spot and meowing for cuddles like nothing had happened. His family couldn’t be more grateful, describing him as “our brave boy who never gave up.”
Doug’s journey reminds us why we do what we do each day at Mowbray Veterinary Clinic. Emergencies can be sudden and frightening – but with quick action, expert care, and a little help from friends, miracles can happen.
To Doug’s family and every pet owner out there: thank you for trusting us to be part of your pets’ lives. If you ever suspect a snake bite or any sudden illness, please contact us immediately – every minute counts.
Here is a useful article on “What to do if my pet is bitten by a snake”
