30 Nov 2023
Vets give gift of sight to blind fox Ricky
Seadown Veterinary Services team performs what could be UK’s first cataract operation on the species.
Paul Imrie
Job Title
Seadown Veterinary Services nurse Charley with Ricky when he arrived at the Hythe hospital Image © Seadown Veterinary Services/CVS
A veterinary team has come to the aid of a young urban fox by performing what is thought to be the UK’s first cataract operation on the species.
The fox, named Ricky, had been spotted by worried members of the public cowering in a corner in Twickenham, London.
Charity Fox Angels was called and the animal, thought to be about six months old and that they named Ricky, was taken into their care before being moved to Seadown Veterinary Services for treatment.
Seeing well
Anna Jennings, Seadown clinical director and ophthalmology vet, said: “We found poor Ricky had cataracts in both eyes and was blind. Probably as a consequence of this, he was also very quiet and subdued.
“The charity was very committed to Ricky having surgery and Ricky had a general anaesthetic and both cataracts removed.
“It was the first time Kate McMorris, our vet and ophthalmic surgeon, had operated on a fox. All went well and Ricky has since been re-examined twice and appears to be seeing well, and much more keen to get outside – even playing with a ball, which has been wonderful to see.”
‘Second chance’
Steve Mason, of Fox Angels, helped administer drops to Ricky’s eyes before and after the operation. He said: “We are so grateful to members of the public and those living in Twickenham who called to let us know about dear Ricky, and we really appreciate the kindness and wonderful treatment that Ricky has received at Seadown.
“They have been amazing. Ricky really has been given a second chance at life and it’s brilliant to watch him engaging with the world around him now that he can see.”
Details about Fox Angels are available via its JustGiving page.