Kitty’s Journey: A Life Saved After Swallowing a Needle
A swallowed needle. A high-risk location, until Kitty was brought to us for emergency care. This is the story of a near-fatal accident resolved through swift action and precise intervention.
Treated by
Patient
Kitty
Condition
Ingestion of Foreign Object (Sewing Needle)
Date
Jul 21, 2025
Case Overview
Kitty, a young and curious kitten, was brought to us in a life-threatening emergency. She had swallowed a sewing needle, a hazardous object that can puncture internal organs and quickly lead to infection or serious complications.
Her family recognised something was wrong and acted fast. Upon arrival, our team promptly assessed her condition and prepared for urgent intervention.
Diagnosis & Decision
After a quick but thorough clinical assessment, Dr Lidija immediately suspected foreign object ingestion.
Radiographs confirmed the presence of a needle lodged inside Kitty’s digestive tract. Given the risk of internal injury, emergency surgery was the only safe path forward.
The Surgery
Kitty was placed under general anesthesia, and Dr Lidija carefully performed a foreign body extraction from the upper throat area. The needle was located near the tonsillar region and successfully removed without the need for invasive surgery.
Due to the object’s sharp nature and delicate location, precision and timing were crucial to prevent internal damage. Kitty was monitored closely following the procedure to ensure there was no residual trauma or infection.
The Road to Recovery
Within hours, Kitty began showing signs of relief and steady improvement. Her appetite returned, her energy levels picked up, and her playful nature resurfaced.
What started as a life-threatening moment turned into a full recovery, made possible by fast diagnosis and skilled surgical care.
Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Go behind the scenes of Kitty’s emergency case
When Kitty arrived at our clinic after swallowing a sewing needle, every second mattered. In this video, you'll see real moments from her emergency case, X-rays, gentle handling, and the steps our team took to assess the danger and plan her treatment.
From urgent diagnostics to safe removal, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how our veterinary team works calmly and precisely when lives are at stake. These are the moments you rarely see, but they’re the reason pets like Kitty get to go home healthy.
Kitty
Today
Kitty is now fully recovered, back to exploring her surroundings, but under closer watch this time. She’s healthy, energetic, and living proof that quick intervention and experienced care can make all the difference in an emergency.
