A veterinary case has sparked widespread concern among Hong Kong pet owners. A Ragdoll cat named Nini developed serious health complications after undergoing a spay surgery and was later transferred to a 24-hour veterinary hospital. Her condition continued to deteriorate, and she was ultimately euthanised on veterinary advice.

The case drew further attention after a leaked audio recording surfaced, containing allegations that the procedure may have involved an unregistered veterinary practitioner and possible surgical errors. The claims remain unverified, but they have prompted renewed discussion about veterinary standards, transparency, and professional oversight.

Persistent Complications After Spay Surgery; Urine Found in Abdomen

According to Nini’s owner, Mr. Hui, the cat underwent a routine spay surgery at a veterinary clinic on Ki Lung Street in Sham Shui Po in December 2025.

After returning home, he discovered that a needle had been left in Nini’s paw. Mr. Hui said a clinic nurse later admitted forgetting to remove it and suggested that he do so himself.

Mr. Hui also stated that Nini was unable to urinate for several days after the surgery. The clinic initially advised that this could be a normal post-operative condition. However, by the fourth day, Nini had begun shivering and vomiting after eating, prompting her owner to take her back for further examination.

The clinic reportedly suspected that Nini had Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) based on blood test results and repeatedly recommended related treatment.

Unconvinced by the diagnosis, Mr. Hui transferred Nini to a 24-hour veterinary hospital that same night. Examinations revealed a significant accumulation of fluid in her abdominal cavity. According to medical records, approximately 300 millilitres of fluid were found and later confirmed to be urine. The records also noted that Nini’s bladder could not be palpated during the examination.

Condition Rapidly Deteriorated

Mr. Hui recalled that Nini’s condition worsened rapidly in the hours that followed.

By the early morning of the next day, she had entered a critical condition. When Mr. Hui arrived at the hospital, he said Nini’s heart rate had reached approximately 300 beats per minute.

Following an assessment, veterinarians recommended euthanasia to prevent further suffering.

Reflecting on the loss, Mr. Hui said he had always regarded Nini as a member of his family rather than simply a pet.

Veterinarian Says Case Raises Questions

During a television interview, registered veterinarian Dr. Ku To said Nini’s condition may have involved damage to the ureter or bladder, causing urine to accumulate in the abdominal cavity instead of being discharged normally.

However, he emphasised that the exact cause of the complications remains unknown and would require further investigation.

Dr. Ku To also questioned why FIP had been suspected based solely on the available blood test results.

Leaked Audio Raises Questions About Surgical Procedure

As discussion of the case continued online, Mr. Hui said he received an audio recording from a whistleblower.

In the recording, a female voice alleged that difficulties were encountered while locating the uterus during surgery. The speaker further claimed that there were suspicions someone may have mistaken the bladder for the uterus during the procedure. The recording also questioned whether the operation had been performed by a registered veterinarian.

These claims originate primarily from statements made in the leaked recording. At the time of writing, no public investigation findings have confirmed the allegations or the identity and qualifications of the individual who performed the surgery.

Clinic Denies Allegations

According to local reports, the person in charge of the clinic denied the allegations.

She stated that the medical personnel involved had since left the practice and that the medical records had been taken by the relevant team. She also said she had simply “trusted the wrong team.”

The clinic further described some of the allegations as defamatory and reportedly instructed lawyers to send a legal letter to Mr. Hui requested supporting evidence for the claims being made.

Complaint Filed With Veterinary Authorities

Mr. Hui has since lodged a complaint with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong and continues to seek answers regarding Nini’s death.

Questions surrounding the allegations in the recording, as well as the identity, qualifications, and role of the individual who performed the surgery, remain unresolved.

At present, no public investigation findings have concluded whether the case involved professional misconduct or the unauthorized provision of veterinary services.

Until the relevant investigations reach a conclusion, several key questions remain unanswered. For Mr. Hui, however, the loss of his beloved cat is an undeniable reality. The incident has also reignited public discussion about animal welfare, veterinary accountability, medical record management, and professional regulation within Hong Kong’s pet healthcare industry.