Here at German Veterinary Clinic in Khalifa City, we often see pets who are more than just companions—they are family. Miele is no exception. Born in 2011 in the idyllic coastal town of Capel, Western Australia as an only kitten, Miele made friends instead with the breeder’s large dogs. Miele spent the next 6 years of her life in Perth but accompanied her beloved guardian Josh to Abu Dhabi in 2017, where she took up residence as a secret guest in an upscale hotel. After two years of living a princess lifestyle, Miele discovered she is still a dog person at heart when she met her new best pal, Sadie (a Saluki) when her “pawrents” moved into a larger home in Raha Beach.
Miele’s close bond with her owner, Josh, has always been evident. So, when she suddenly began walking in circles and displaying signs of confusion in October 2023, Josh and his family knew something was wrong and brought her to us for help.
As always with all our patients, the team prioritized Miele’s comfort and needs and ensured a low stress examination. As the first Gold Standard Cat-Friendly Clinic in the UAE, reducing stress for our cats is always a top priority. This is particularly important during all neurology consultations. Her neurological examination was carried out ensuring that her experience was as peaceful and calm as possible.
After a thorough evaluation by Dr Sergio, GVC’s highly skilled veterinary neurologist, which localized a brain lesion, Miele’s diagnosis was confirmed by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The MRI revealed Miele had a brain tumour, specifically a meningioma. Meningiomas are one of the most common types of brain tumours in cats. While typically benign, they can cause significant neurological deficits as they grow and put pressure on the brain. For Miele, this pressure was causing her disorientation and changes in behaviour, and without intervention, her quality of life would have rapidly declined.
The only viable option was brain surgery, and that meant a craniotomy to remove the tumour, and Dr Sergio, our in-house neurosurgeon, was the right person for the job. Dr Sergio approached Miele’s case with the same care, empathy, and precision that has earned him the admiration of both our team and pet owners alike.
The planning was extensive and required a team that could take responsibility for each aspect of the complex brain surgery – the pre-operative planning and care, anaesthesia and vital life support during the operation and the post-operative recovery and intensive care treatment.
Dr Katrin, GVC’s owner and Head Vet holds the prestigious Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons “Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Pain Relief” so it was never in doubt who would lead the aspects of Miele’s care that covered patient-wellbeing, the bespoke complex anaesthetic protocol and her post-operative care and pain-management.
With the additional dedicated support of nurses Nora, Carl, and Leo, the team was complete for the big procedure. Teamwork certainly made the dream work that day, as everyone in the clinic came together to support Miele.
Miele’s recovery was nothing short of incredible, a testament to her strength and character, as well as the skills of the neurosurgical team. She bounced back faster than anyone could have hoped, with her symptoms disappearing and her endearing personality returning to the surface. Today, she is back to enjoying her days with her family, happy and comfortable, thanks to the life-saving brain surgery and the care that followed.
We are immensely proud of Miele’s journey. Her case highlights not only the advances in neurosurgical capabilities in the veterinary field, but also for us, the importance of working together as a team. From the gentle, fear-free handling she received to the expertise of veterinary neurologist Dr Sergio and the careful oversight of Dr Katrin, every moment of Miele’s care was guided by our commitment to excellence.
Stories like Miele’s remind us that extraordinary things are possible when passion, precision, and compassion come together. We are honoured to have played a role in giving Miele a second chance at a life filled with love, comfort, and the companionship of her beloved family, who at this one-year anniversary tell us;
“She is very grateful to the whole team at GVC for their excellent care, allowing her to continue to indulge in her hobbies and interests, which include swatting the dog on the nose, long naps on the sunny balcony or piles of clean laundry, and cheese.”
Veterinary neurosurgical procedures are rare as there are only a very few veterinarians in the region with the skill and knowledge to perform such a complex procedure. It is for this reason that the availability of this procedure is so important for the UAE’s pet care industry and reinforces GVC’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of the UAE’s companion animals.
To find out more about GVC’s extensive veterinary capabilities and services that include the only Board-Certified Specialist in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine in the region, as well as our dual certified Cat Friendly and Fear Free care, please call 025562024 or visit us today!
