A BASINGSTOKE cat lover has revealed her shock and fears after being told her beloved pet had a significant brain tumour.

Owner Diana White had taken 13-year-old Ruby to the vets after the domestic longhair cat became unsteady, dazed and confused.

Ruby was referred to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, where an MRI scan revealed the cause was a large tumour that was putting intense pressure on its brain.

Ed Ives, Anderson Moores’ head of neurology and an RCVS and European specialist in veterinary neurology, took charge of the case and operated to remove the benign tumour, since then Ruby has gone on to make a remarkable recovery.

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Diana said: “She is doing amazingly well and there is no doubt Ed saved her life and has hopefully given her many more years.

“What he did for Ruby is phenomenal. She was very, very sick when he met her and we had no idea she had a serious brain tumour until we had the MRI scan.

“It was a significant tumour, a third of the size of her skull, which immediately explained why she’d been acting so out of character, unsteady and lifeless.

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“I was upset and very concerned that Ruby was so very ill but relieved to hear Ed felt it was possible he could operate and potentially save her life. 

“That’s exactly what he has done and I feel very fortunate to have met Ed and his team. I can't thank them enough.

“Ruby is amazingly well again and very happy and full of life. You’d barely know she’s had surgery. Her fur has started to grow back and the scar on her head is hardly visible now. 

“She’s also become much more affectionate since the operation, more loving and cuddly, which is a happy side effect!

“We’re so grateful. We had fabulous service and, without a doubt, I’d recommend Ed and Anderson Moores to other pet owners.”

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Ed said: “The MRI scan revealed a large mass on the left side of Ruby’s brain that was severely compressing her surrounding brain tissue.

“A type of benign brain tumour called a meningioma was suspected by our Diagnostic Imaging team, which is the most common brain tumour seen in older cats.

“Ruby underwent brain surgery the following week and we managed to completely remove the tumour.

“She responded well and was up and about just one day after surgery and is already back to her normal self only a few weeks later.

“Everyone is delighted she has recovered so quickly and, now the tumour has been removed, her long-term outlook should be good.”