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Lort Smith stepped in to give Ryan the serious medical attention he needed
Lort Smith Ryan flexible cat domestic short hair
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Lort Smith Animal Hospital has a large surgical department consisting of four operating theatres.

We are well-appointed with orthopaedic equipment and have numerous highly skilled and experienced vets who perform almost all types of orthopaedic surgery.

Our experienced team of surgeons provide high-quality care to thousands of animals each year.

Learn more about our vet services.

The Lort Smith team first met ten-month-old tabby Ryan in April when he was brought in with a very sore leg. As a cat who loved the outdoors, especially climbing, his carer suspected he may have fallen from a height when exploring his neighbourhood.

Ryan was in a great amount of pain and not bearing weight on his right leg. Preliminary examinations by vets suggested a fracture, which was later confirmed via x-ray.

Unfortunately the domestic short hair’s carer was no longer able to look after him due to a sudden change in living circumstances. So Lort Smith stepped in to give Ryan the serious medical attention needed to get him back on his paws.

The vet team met to discuss Ryan’s best pathway forward. Would it be a leg amputation, or would they be able to save his leg?

Luckily his fracture was able to be repaired. Ryan’s two orthopaedic surgeries were made possible thanks to the dedication of Lort Smith donors. These life altering procedures ensured Ryan’s bone fracture would be fully repaired with a permanent pin and plate to keep his leg in tiptop condition.

Ryan went to recover in foster care with long-time Lort Smith volunteer Narelle. She cared for Ryan through his rehabilitation, bringing him to vet appointments and keeping him happy with lots of cuddles.

Finally, two months after surgery Ryan’s leg was as good as new. Ready to find himself a permanent home, Ryan moved into the Adoption Centre.

Not letting his surgery define him, he would run and climb around the Adoption Centre like an active teenage cat.

Of course it wasn’t too long before he was adopted into a wonderful new forever home, where we know he will be causing as much trouble as he can.

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  • Lort Smith Animal Hospital
    North Melbourne
  • Emergency Hospital  | Clinic
  • 24 Villiers Street
    North Melbourne VIC 3051
  • 03 9328 3021
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  • Lort Smith Campbellfield
    Veterinary Clinic
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  • 25-35 Berwick Road
    Campbellfield VIC 3061
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Lort Smith acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lort Smith values and celebrates diversity in our community. We are committed to providing animal care services that are inclusive and support equality and accessibility.

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Is this an emergency?

If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Major injuries
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe vomiting
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Unexpected or severe seizures
  • Inability to walk
  • Swollen abdomen

Or they need immediate help, do not book online, call our emergency number now: 03 9328 3021

Click here if you wish to continue with our quick and easy online booking.

If you have trouble finding an available appointment time, please call 03 9328 3021.

Our Privacy Policy explains how we manage your personal information.