Our vet teams have always helped sick and injured pets get back on their paws and stay fit and healthy – but the way of dealing with cases has changed significantly. Here’s a typical selection of case studies our vet teams were dealing with in 1975. We thought you’d like to read about some cases from more than 40 years ago.
Snuffles
A white mouse was brought in by a small boy who complained that his pet had gone to sleep and wouldn’t wake up. Even the Veterinary Officer couldn’t help because the mouse, an elderly two-year-old, had died. However the youngster was so concerned that a kindly deception was enacted and when the owner returned after an ‘operation’, he was delighted to be handed a frisky white mouse. If his pet seemed like a new one, the local pet shop could’ve explained why.
Parsley
One of the healthiest looking patients brought to a PDSA Centre was a mongrel puppy whose young owner was concerned because the pup had swallowed a five pence piece. When the hope that nature would take its course proved fruitless, an operation was avoided through the use of x-rays and special forceps. But the triumphant Veterinary Officer was brought back to earth when the schoolboy owner explained that his main worry was the loss of his pocket money and demanded its return.
Sparky
An alarmed telephone call from an elderly widow heralded her arrival with a semi-conscious budgie at the bottom of his cage. It turned out that the well-meaning owner had made the most of a fine sunny day without providing enough shade and ventilation. The Veterinary Officer safely revived the bird. The case demonstrates the need for education in pet care, not only for younger owners.
Sandy
A very fit cat was brought into one of our smaller centres by a harassed housewife who wanted him put down on the grounds that he was viciously bad tempered with children, caused a great deal of damage and annoyed the neighbours. She was persuaded to have him neutered which caused a remarkable change for the better – even the cat smell had vanished!
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