Testimonials
Spinnato Veterinary Clinic

Eragon, 24/02/2025

ERAGON is the big Siberian cat who has been part of my family since 2012. In mid-December, he was no longer able to eat, despite having the urge to do so—and this time it wasn’t due to hairballs. On 16 December, I took him to the veterinary clinic that has always cared for him, and tests revealed altered liver and thyroid values as well as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The hyperthyroidism he suffers from had already affected his heart, and he was prescribed medication along with Apelka.

We were devastated, as we didn’t expect this diagnosis… ERAGON had always been healthy, and we hadn’t realised that, sadly, over these thirteen years, he had grown older with us. I decided to learn more, and that same evening I researched the disease and possible treatments. I discovered that drug therapy has serious side effects and, above all, does not eliminate the tumour, which continues to grow and can transform over time. And we don’t just want to treat ERAGON—we want to cure him!

When I visited the website of the Spinnato Veterinary Clinic and discovered that IODINE 131 therapy is the most effective and safest option—being non-invasive, low-risk, and with a 95% cure rate—it felt like a dream come true… it was exactly what I was looking for for ERAGON! Still, I won’t deny I was worried about having to hospitalise him for such a long time and the journey, which would be long and difficult, as he had never left home and travel stresses him greatly. But I immediately decided to send an email to Dr Spinnato requesting contact, attaching all the recent test results. The next day, she called me and explained the disease, treatments, medication risks, and the benefits of her therapy.

That was the beginning of the collaboration between the two clinics, and ERAGON underwent all the tests required for admission, including a full-body CT scan. The result, unfortunately, was one of the worst: it was a carcinoma and there were also small lung lesions... our ERAGON was truly unlucky, as thyroid tumours in cats are benign in 95–98% of cases. Dr Spinnato explained that a scintigraphy would be needed to get a clearer picture, but we became convinced that her therapy was the right path—at this point, it was the only option to try to save him, and we didn’t want to lose any more time.

On 19 January, we admitted him to the clinic and were relieved to see that he liked the environment very much. On the way back, Dr Spinnato told us that she had already administered the iodine and sent us a video where he looked calm and peaceful. The next two weeks went by quickly because every day we received messages and videos that reassured us—he was doing well, getting lots of affection, and purring.

On 2 February, we brought him home and a few days later came Dr Spinnato’s announcement: ERAGON is cured! The tumour was destroyed! He has become hypothyroid, but he is not at risk, and giving him one pill a day is nothing in comparison! Our joy is indescribable.

We’re absolutely sure we made the best decision for him because we’ve guaranteed a better quality of life for the years he still has with us. And we owed it to him—for all the love he has given us!

Stefania Dellachà

Sissi, 08/01/2025

Sissy is my baby—she’s about 14 years old. We met when she was already an adult.

In October 2024, after being hospitalised due to severe diarrhoea and vomiting, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

At the clinic, they immediately started her on Apelka. I wasn’t offered any other option to treat the disease. Sissy could only tolerate the lowest dose of Apelka, and her TT4 and FT4 levels remained very high.

A solution absolutely had to be found—a real CURE—otherwise Sissy would have faced a sad decline, and I would have been left helplessly watching.

I found the Spinnato Clinic, the only facility in Italy that treats feline hyperthyroidism with Iodine 131.

I did extensive research on the topic, and to me, it became clear that Iodine 131 treatment would be the only real help for my girl.

I discussed it with three different veterinary surgeons, and frankly, I was quite shocked by the lack of knowledge surrounding this treatment. Statistics show that 10% of the senior cat population suffers from hyperthyroidism, yet all three vets assumed that Apelka or Felimazole would be the default treatment—drugs that are merely palliative and often cause numerous and serious side effects. The vets I spoke to knew little or nothing about what is considered the Gold Standard treatment for hyperthyroidism worldwide. In fact, the vet I had trusted for many years strongly advised against it, without giving any valid reason. I was at a crossroads—and I was alone… I had to choose whether to truly cure Sissy, or continue giving her medications that were only making her nauseous and causing vomiting.

I CHOSE LIFE FOR SISSY. I CHOSE THE SPINNATO CLINIC.

On 16 December, Sissy received the Iodine 131. On 30 December, she was discharged—hyperthyroidism defeated—and returned home to Milan.

Sissy is now doing well—she eats like a little wolf, no longer feels nauseous, her little heart no longer races, and even the diarrhoea is just a sad memory.

I thank Dr Maria Cristina Spinnato for her endless patience, for answering my countless questions, for supporting me through everything, and for the daily updates during Sissy’s hospital stay—including on Christmas Day. The service at the Spinnato Clinic was impeccable!

A word of advice: if you have a cat with hyperthyroidism, don’t hesitate—reach out to the Spinnato Clinic with confidence.

Veronica Marcucci

Alba, 04/10/2024

Hi, my name is Alba. I was dying because my thyroid had stopped working. The treatments at home weren’t working, and I was at the end — just 2 kg and 160 grams… But through various searches, my mum and dad discovered Dr. Spinnato’s clinic, and there, after starting treatment with iodine 131, I WAS CURED. I gained weight — 750 grams in 20 days! Thanks to the loving care I received, I’m now back home and feeling great… Thank you, Dr. M. Cristina Spinnato, and all the medical staff who took care of me… thank you from ALBA, MUM, AND DAD

Easy, 06/04/2024

My 11-year-old cat Easy was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after significant weight loss, increased thirst, and polyuria. We were devastated… learning about the presence of the tumour and the consequences that would follow the use of palliative treatments like methimazole or similar medications scared us a lot.

Then we discovered the option of radiotherapy with Iodine-131: it is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism, routinely used in humans and, thanks to the Spinnato Clinic, also available for cats.

After only 2 weeks apart, we were able to hold our kitty again, now finally cured. A huge thank you to the Spinnato Clinic and the Doctor for allowing me to gain something priceless: more time with my cat.

Geremia

Minou, 14/09/2023

It’s been a year since my amazing Doctor treated that nasty thyroid tumour that was making me feel sick with Iodine 131.

Now it’s all behind me, and I finally feel well and enjoy my garden.

My human mum and I will always be grateful for her great professionalism and dedication — truly, thank you:

Minou and Francesca

Maya, 04/09/2023

I’m Maya, and my story begins in September 2020, when blood tests revealed that I had hyperthyroidism. I had to take a medicine that caused me a lot of discomfort, and my mum continued it for only a month because she couldn’t bear to see me feeling so sick every day.

For a while, it seemed like I was doing better even without the medicine… until March 2023, when despite having a huge appetite, I started losing a lot of weight — too fast and too much. My mum, very worried, immediately got in touch with a wonderful doctor who, believe me, loves cats beyond measure. She adores them and does everything she can to treat them and make them feel better. The doctor said there wasn’t a moment to lose because the situation was really critical, so on 9 August 2023, she welcomed me into her lovely clinic — warm, cosy, and full of tasty food — and a few days later she gave me a snack with a powerful medicine inside. I gobbled it up in no time, because I’ve never lost my appetite.

Since I took that medicine, something truly miraculous happened: I started gaining weight (almost 800 grams in two weeks!!!), my fur became thick and shiny again, my heart stopped racing, and my bloodwork returned to normal!!

The doctors treated me like a princess and wrote to my mum every day to tell her how I was doing, the progress I was making, and to show her how I was spending my days.

I was truly pampered, and when my mum and dad finally came to pick me up, I was so happy to see them and go home. But rest assured — I will never forget the kind and skilled doctor who finally made me well again.

A warm thank you from Maya — and a big Miao — to everyone

Micia, 20/07/2023

My name is Micia, and I’m a 15-year-old cat living in Rome. For several months, I had been losing weight even though my appetite had increased uncontrollably. My fur became scruffy, and I started losing strength in the muscles of my legs. My family took me for a check-up, which revealed a clinical picture with several issues (liver enzymes out of control, a slightly enlarged heart, and of course, thyroid hormones gone wild) — all pointing to a thyroid that was not doing well. In Rome, I was offered the usual drug treatment, but my family, after doing some research online (I’m not even allowed to use the phone!), discovered that the gold standard is not the drug treatment many vets propose, but the Iodine-131 treatment, which in Italy is only performed at the Spinnato Veterinary Clinic in Cartura, in the province of Padua.

My family got in touch with the clinic, which proved trustworthy from the very first contact. The whole treatment was explained in detail, and Dr Maria Cristina Spinnato — who would soon become my friend — gave my family the confidence and peace of mind they needed, so the decision to take me to Padua was made quickly.

What can I say? At the Spinnato Veterinary Clinic, I was treated like a princess: a spacious cage, food galore, constant monitoring through cameras, greetings from my family sent via the doctor, and when possible, lots of cuddles and attention. Time flew by — I felt so good that when my family came to pick me up, I wasn’t sure whether to leave or stay a bit longer!

Since I’ve been home, I’ve gained back weight, my liver enzymes are back to normal, the thyroid no longer has that nasty guest, and I feel great. On behalf of myself and my family, I thank Dr Maria Cristina Spinnato for the professionalism and affection she shared with me during my stay. I felt loved and cared for. I had never travelled by car in 15 years, but if I ever had to take another trip, I wouldn’t think twice: I’d go visit the doctor who treated me so well!

All the best,

Micia

Trilly, 03/02/2023

Hi everyone, I’m Trilly. I’m 12 years old (more or less — Mum adopted me when I was already an adult, after I had been abandoned in a colony).

Two years ago, I started eating much more than usual, but I was losing weight and having trouble jumping because my back legs hurt. Blood tests showed that I had hyperthyroidism. I took a medication called Apelka for a year.

I was only taking half the recommended dose because it often made me nauseous and caused vomiting.

I did get a little better. But after a year, I couldn’t go on: I had a severe bout of nausea, diarrhoea, I was struggling to move my back legs, and I stopped eating. Mum and Dad took me to a clinic, but they didn’t understand what was happening and kept giving me that same medication. And I kept getting worse! Mum was desperate! In yet another online search, she came across Dr Spinnato’s clinic — and it was just a little over 100 km from home!

None of the other vets had ever told her about IODINE 131, so she started reading the website. Within two days, Mum and Dad wrote to the doctor, took me out of that clinic, and she explained what to do to help me regain my strength. They didn’t think twice, even though it was a big commitment — tests, labs, the trip, and therapy.

They got organised, and about ten days later, they took me to the clinic in Cartura.

I kept them entertained by singing almost the whole trip, but they didn’t appreciate it — ungrateful humans! Mum had explained to me that I’d have to be away for a few weeks, far from them and my four brothers, but I’d have a space of my own with my big cushion and my carrier, and I could ask for whatever I wanted when I was hungry. She would see me every day in videos or pictures, and the doctor would update her on how I was doing.

I was ready because this would cure me once and for all!

Mum, on the other hand, was heartbroken at the thought of being separated from me for so many days. She told me not to grumble too much and to be a good girl. Those 20 days were suuuuper long, but they passed. And after just a week, I was already feeling better!

Finally, Mum and Dad came back to get me: I had already gained a bit of weight, and my fur was shiny and soft like it hadn’t been in months. The doctor explained everything they’d need to do over the next few months (weight monitoring and tests).

On the way back, I told them — singing, of course — all about my time at the clinic (and once again, they didn’t appreciate it!).

After a few days at home, I settled back into my old routine with my brothers.

I kept getting better, and today — three months after the treatment — I’ve gained a kilo and can jump onto chairs and tables again with no problem.

The doctor, modestly, said my latest test results were perfect! Mum is happy again and, even though she still calls me “witch,” she covers me in cuddles and kisses.

Thank you, Dr Spinnato. I think without your help, I wouldn’t have made it to the new year… but now I’ve got many more ahead of me…

Gina, 02/02/2023

Gina began losing weight despite her huge appetite. After a misdiagnosis and a change of vet, she was finally diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and we started a treatment she was meant to continue for life.

Gina is a young cat, just 6 years old, and the long-term outlook with medication alone wasn’t very encouraging. I didn’t give up. I found out about the only clinic in Italy that offers a definitive cure for hyperthyroidism.

I reached out to Dr Maria Cristina, who explained all the steps and procedures in great detail. We were supported, reassured, and never left alone.

Gina stayed at the clinic from the 13th to the 30th of October, and every evening we received a video showing her peaceful and at ease. When she entered the clinic, she weighed only 3.8 kg — now she’s back to her cuddly self at 5.3 kg.

Gina was given a new lease on life, thanks to the team at the Spinnato Clinic and especially to Dr Maria Cristina.

With love,

Laura, Tiziano, and Gina

P.S. Photos of Gina before and after the iodine treatment.

Camilla, 10/08/2022

Patient: Camilla, a 15-year-old cat.

Since 2018, our Camilla had been living with hyperthyroidism, managed with chronic methimazole treatment. In recent months, she had become increasingly restless and constantly hungry, while remaining underweight and showing elevated T4 levels.

On 27 June, she suffered a serious cardiac decompensation with pleural effusion, requiring three drainages to avoid a fatal respiratory crisis. Under those conditions, her life expectancy was estimated to be just a few weeks.

Thanks to a recommendation from our trusted vets at the Sant’Anna Clinic in Fabriano, we got in touch with Dr Spinnato in Padua. We didn’t hesitate to have our cat undergo Iodine-131 treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Camilla was admitted on 16 July. During her stay, we found comfort in the regular photos and videos that Dr Spinnato kindly shared with us. Her therapeutic progress was steady. Camilla’s adaptability and the doctor’s professionalism helped us through a very delicate time.

Today, we brought our beloved cat back home with a significantly improved weight (+550 grams) and stable cardiac parameters.

Our deepest thanks to Dr Spinnato for the passion that inspires her work and the care she devoted to our precious Camilla.

Tiziana and Mauro Del Brutto

Kitty, 31/07/2022

Last November, my cat Kitty was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism caused by a thyroid tumour. In the period leading up to the diagnosis, she had lost a lot of weight, was agitated, and often vomited. I was immediately told that the available medications wouldn’t cure the illness; and to make matters worse, Kitty absolutely refused to take any form of pill.

Fortunately, I found Dr Spinnato’s clinic online, and she clearly explained how Iodine-131 therapy works in treating feline hyperthyroidism. As a family, we decided it was worth trying, and on 15 December 2021, Kitty was already at the clinic to receive her injection.

She remained there until 7 January 2022, and during this time I received videos, photos, and comforting updates on her recovery.

When Kitty came back home, she was a little disoriented at first, but within a few days, she was back to being her usual affectionate and playful self (despite her age—she’ll be 15 this May!).

Now she has her monthly check-ups, no longer vomits, and has put on weight.

We’re very happy we chose the Iodine-131 treatment—an effective solution for a disease that would have otherwise been fatal for our beloved cat.

Burricchio, 30/07/2022

A special greeting from Burricchio, who has also recovered thanks to Dr Maria Cristina.

Piggy, 10/06/2022

Good morning Doctor, this is the BEFORE and AFTER shot of the therapy with iodine 131, where Piggy, besides being visibly heavier, resolved the heart problems caused precisely by hyperthyroidism. Now he has regained weight, his fur is long and shiny like it used to be, and most importantly, the follow-up tests all went well! He has finally gone back to being the cat he once was, and you can tell just by looking at his eyes. I thank you again, and all your collaborators, for the professionalism and availability, especially during the hospitalisation, where Piggy felt great despite his peculiar personality. I absolutely recommend this therapy, which, besides being innovative, gave us significant improvements in just a month.

Sincerely,

The Romanzani Family

Micia, 04/12/2021

Micia, 12/04/2021

Good morning Doctor, I hope all is well.

I'm sending you a photo of Micia—she's doing very well, she's lively again, eats with a good appetite, and her fur is once again shiny and thick.

I'm keeping an eye on her weight, which has reached 4 kg.

I really must say that thanks to your therapy, Micia has been reborn.

Warm regards,

Roberto Marauto

Red, 30/11/2021

I am Red, I’m 11 years old and I live in Verona. Between February and March 2021, I had serious health problems. I was always restless, agitated, eating a lot, but losing weight noticeably. I felt very sick, I even had trouble jumping onto a chair because of weakness, and in the meantime, my fur was becoming thinner and thinner. Tests showed a very high thyroid activity. I started taking drops, but they made me feel worse: the vomiting increased and, in a short time, I scratched off most of the fur on my face in reaction to the medicine. Every time I saw my owner with the syringe in her hand, I cried in despair.

My vet said that finally, there’s a clinic in Italy able to treat this disorder with iodine, and it's in Padua, fairly close to home.

I was hospitalised for a month—I know my owners had a very hard time leaving me at the clinic. I must say that Dr. Cristina really knows what she’s doing: she understood that I’m a big softie and gave me plenty of attention, company, and affection. I had my own isolated room, furnished like a miniature bedroom, where they had left a few familiar objects. Back home, they could follow me through the videos the doctor sent almost every day.

Since being discharged, I’ve been undergoing regular check-ups because returning to normal takes time, but you only have to look at me to see that I’m back to being the sweet and calm big cat I’ve always been.

I wanted to write my testimonial from my cat’s point of view because I’ve also suffered from hyperthyroidism and I know how much it makes you suffer; I had surgery myself, and the experience led me to rule out the possibility of such an operation for my Red.

I would like to thank Dr. Spinnato for what she did for my big boy, who, without her intervention, would have been condemned to a sad decline. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Maria Gabriella Rossi

Micia, 14/06/2021

In February 2021, Micia began to suffer as she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

I started researching possible treatments. The idea of daily medication for the rest of her life didn’t seem convincing to me, considering both the side effects of the drug and the fact that it would only be a palliative solution for the tumour.

I couldn’t bear to watch Micia get worse day by day until the end.

I discovered that in Italy, the Spinnato Clinic—uniquely—offered iodine 131 therapy as an alternative to drug treatment. This therapy offers many benefits, especially a definitive cure for the tumour.

So I contacted Dr. Cristina, who clearly explained the details of the treatment. From the beginning, I had the impression of a serious professional who is passionate about the feline world. I immediately understood that this would be the right path, and Micia was admitted to the clinic for the therapy.

I feared Micia would suffer from being away from her familiar world, but at the clinic she was so well cared for and cuddled that this didn’t happen.

During her stay, I received daily updates on her health, which gave me great peace of mind.

Today, a month and a half after her hospitalisation, Micia is doing well—she’s back to her old self and is gradually gaining weight again.

We are doing follow-up tests under the supervision of Dr. Spinnato, who has never stopped supporting me with her expertise, even after Micia’s discharge.

I’m truly satisfied with the decision I made at the time—it may have been demanding in some respects, but it has proven to be absolutely positive.

Roberto

Samoa, 20/03/2021

I’m a black and white European cat and my name is Samoa because on the day I arrived with my brother Tonga (all black), there was a rugby match on TV: SAMOA vs TONGA.

Several years have passed since then, and I’m very happy with my family. My brother Tonga disappeared into the woods a few years ago, and I hope that now he’s with a family that loves him. I also have a new friend who is much smaller than me. He’s quite playful and his name is Remi.

Even though we live in the countryside, my human dad and mum don’t let us go outside because they’re afraid of wild animals and hunters.

Life was going perfectly for me, full of cuddles and playtime… then, just over a year ago, I started to lose my appetite and felt strange.

Dad and mum noticed right away and took me to a place where people in big green coats gave me injections. Then back home, dad and mum started giving me kibble with strange flavours.

I still had no appetite, but that wasn’t all—I was nauseous. If I ate, I would gag and throw up. Dad and mum were very worried, and I often heard the word “thyroid”… I didn’t know what that was, maybe a disease. The fact is, I kept getting worse, and when I ate, I would vomit.

One morning, they put me in the car and we went on a long trip: locked in my carrier with my favourite blanket, I fell asleep.

We arrived at a nice place: clean, full of colour, with portraits of many cats like me painted on the walls, and especially a lady in a white coat who was very kind and called me by name, examined me, and talked a lot with dad and mum.

Then a sad surprise: I’m in this beautiful place with many little rooms, lots of colour, and some background music (I like classical music), but I can’t find dad and mum.

I had a restless night… then the lady in the white coat I met yesterday arrived—she’s very affectionate. She tries to feed me, but my stomach just isn’t interested.

I start a long period of tests, exams, treatments, and minor procedures. They fix my teeth, and then they put a small tube in my neck that bothers me a little, but it helps them feed me.

Many days pass, over a month. I don’t eat, I’m not talkative like before, and I don’t purr anymore… I walked past a mirror and saw a terrible image—I’m scruffy, thin (you can see my bones under my dull fur), but most of all, I look sad.

The lady in the white coat who takes care of me is so kind and so good; at night, to not leave me alone, she takes me to a nice house not far away where another slightly older lady gives me lots of cuddles, pets me, and takes me on little garden walks.

They give me medicine, and when I take the drops that taste fresh, I feel less nauseous and gag less.

It’s now been almost fifty days that I’ve been with this kind lady in the white coat, and I’m growing fond of her. I think I’m also feeling better because I can eat some kibble without throwing up.

They’re back!!! Where had they gone? I saw dad and mum through the window!!! They’re here… and I ran to them.

So much joy, and soon they put me in the car after saying goodbye to that lovely lady in the white coat. I quickly realised that in the rush to get home, I forgot my favourite blanket… it doesn’t matter—I’m too happy.

I’m home. I still have the feeding tube in my neck and a little nausea. Dad and mum are like the lady in the white coat and offer me different types of food, but my stomach keeps acting up.

Every evening, I hear them talking to the lady in the white coat, and they sound very worried...

Then almost suddenly, my stomach stops acting up. I start liking kibble again—and also salmon and rabbit tins…

Today I heard dad and mum talking to the lady in the white coat… they’re laughing and joking, and maybe I deserve a bit of credit since my coat is shiny again and I’ve put on quite a bit of weight.

I heard they’ve arranged to meet… I hope they bring me too, because I would really love to purr for the LADY IN THE WHITE COAT.

Cara dottoressa sono Smilla e purtroppo non posso venirti a trovare di persona per farti gli auguri di Buon Natale, Natale che ho potuto vivere solo grazie a te e per questo avrai per sempre la mia riconoscenza e anche quella della mia umana a cui regalo la mia compagnia. Allora gli auguri posso farli solo via telefono con un paio di foto non favolose, ma che spero possano farti vedere i miei quattro chili e il pelo più lucido degli ultimi anni. Questa è di ieri sera, me l’ha rubata mentre sonnecchiavo dopo una passeggiata in cortile. Auguri e ancora grazie per avermi salvato la vita.

Baci e fusa da Smilla.

This is a photo taken on 15 March.

I’m not good with photos, but I think the difference is clear. Thank you again. You are the best thing that Smilla and I have had all year—and the year before, too. Thank you, thank you. A thousand times, thank you. A hug and best wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Carla Mazza

Carla Mazza

Smilla, 25/12/2020

Also last night. But what a shiny coat, right?

Barbara Manciulli

Mario, 01/12/2020

In September 2019, I found out that my cat, Mario, had hyperthyroidism. My vet explained the various treatment options, including radioactive iodine. I started treating Mario with Apelka (Thiamazole) oral solution—a medicine that’s easy to administer—but after about a month, I realised it had too many side effects. It wasn’t the right choice.

At that point, I decided to call Dr Spinnato to ask for all the information regarding radioactive iodine. Even though she was about to catch a flight, she took the time to explain the treatment process, recovery timelines, required tests, what might happen after the injection, etc. I decided to proceed with the treatment, despite some people telling me it wasn’t worth spending so much money on an old cat (15 years). For them, it was all about money. For me, it was about the life of my cat, who had given me so much in our 15 years together… DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW… DIFFERENT PRIORITIES. Mario is part of my family.

We set the date… 04/12/19.

330 km of travel…

At home, Mario is a super sociable cat with everyone, but at the vet, he turns into a beast. Unbelievably, when Dr Spinnato examined and stroked him, he started purring. That made me feel like I was leaving him in excellent hands… but it was still heartbreaking to return home without my Mario.

Every day, I was updated on his condition and received videos that reassured me but also made me even more eager to bring him back home. The happiest day was when I brought him back.

It’s been over a year. Mario is no longer hyperthyroid, but I’m still in contact with Dr Spinnato. She tells me which tests to run, checks the results, helps me with his diet and ongoing therapies (unfortunately, Mario has other issues). Today, I can say that when I see my beautiful big cat happily lounging in the garden, I feel grateful for what I did—and if I could go back, I’d do it all over again, even sooner, without hesitation.

I’ve seen other cats of mine die from incurable diseases. Hyperthyroidism has a cure, and if I hadn’t treated Mario, I would’ve regretted it for the rest of my life. It was the least I could do for him. And every extra day of life will be a gift for him—but especially for me.

I thank the doctor for her kindness, availability, professionalism, expertise, for the BIG HEART she always showed, and above all for the cuddles and “chats” she had with Mario while he was hospitalised.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!

Barbara Manciulli

Maria Rita Iannone

Maya, 16/06/2020

Antonella Livrieri

Stella, 28/04/2020

Ira Bugani

Leo, 23/09/2019

“In March of this year, Leo was diagnosed with severe hyperthyroidism. Among the available treatments, I chose—having evaluated all the risks that Leo’s doctor explained to me, along with the unmatched benefit of complete healing without relapses or adverse effects—the radioactive iodine-131 therapy. It is the treatment of choice, but in Italy it was still not allowed. Considering all the significant risks associated with air travel, I got in touch—thanks to Leo’s doctor, without whom none of this would have been possible—with an excellent veterinary clinic in Germany. I arrived at mid-August, everything was ready for departure, when I learned that just recently, the first and only centre in Italy authorised to administer iodine-131 had opened. Leo’s doctor, who continues to be my guiding light, gave me the opinion I asked for, but the decision on what to do could not be his. I called Dr. Spinnato even though, at that moment, I was still convinced that the German clinic was the best choice for a variety of reasons I won’t go into. So how did it go? On August 28, Leo was admitted to Dr. Spinnato’s clinic and was given the iodine. It’s impossible to describe the feeling I experienced as I handed him into Cristina’s arms—I thought I would die. Leo was placed in isolation in a box furnished with all his favourite things and fed all his favourite meals. I was informed daily about his condition (Leo always ate; he used the litter tray regularly); I saw videos of Leo that helped me survive something “almost unbearable.” But what truly was the “added value” was seeing that Cristina did for Leo what I myself would have done—naturally within the limits imposed by the inability to pet or approach him. Leo is a fragile little cat, with a special sensitivity, and if he hadn’t felt a positive atmosphere around him, he would have suffered terribly. Cristina is a mix of heart, soul, and mind, and I will never be able to express my gratitude to her enough. Leo is home now. After a few days in which he showed some signs of having suffered from the isolation (meowing without any apparent reason)—which, however, didn’t stop him from immediately resuming his life—he is doing very, very well. We are waiting for the test results we will get on September 25, but I am confident that everything has gone really well. Every cat is a soul, never the same as another… there are situations you cannot completely control; there are risks that must be taken. Dr. Spinnato is, in all this, an absolute certainty.”