A tragic incident unfolded in the Kirishi district of Russia’s Leningrad region, where 55-year-old Dmitry Ukhin lost his life after being scratched by his pet cat.
A Routine Search Turns Tragic
Dmitry had been searching for his missing cat, Styopka, who had been gone for two days. Upon finding the feline and bringing it home, he was scratched on the leg. What began as a minor injury quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation.
Dmitry’s wife, Natalya, was not home at the time of the incident.
Realizing the severity of his condition, Dmitry contacted a neighbor for help, stating that his life was in danger. He also called emergency services at approximately 11 p.m.
Emergency Response and Fatal Outcome
According to a police source, Dmitry’s neighbor tried to provide first aid while waiting for medical assistance. Unfortunately, by the time responders arrived, Dmitry had already passed away.
The police report stated: “Around 11 p.m., a man called 112 to report that his friend was bleeding from his leg due to a torn vein. The doctors who arrived only confirmed the man’s death, which the police received a telephone message about.”
Natalya later confirmed to local media that there had been delays in the arrival of medical help.
Health Complications Contributed to the Tragedy
Dmitry suffered from underlying health conditions, including diabetes and a blood clotting disorder, which made him particularly vulnerable to excessive bleeding.
According to Blood.co.uk: “Blood clotting, also called coagulation, is an important process that reduces bleeding when we are injured. It happens whenever a blood vessel is damaged, whether the injury is a scratch on the skin or something more serious.
“Injury triggers a reaction in the blood vessel and activates platelets (specialized blood cell fragments) and clotting factors (specific proteins) in the blood, which work together to slow and stop the bleeding. A clot is formed over the damaged area, which the body will naturally dissolve when the injury has healed.”
Dmitry’s inability to stop the bleeding due to his condition was a significant factor in his untimely death.
Remembering Dmitry
Natalya described Styopka as a gentle and harmless cat that enjoyed wandering outdoors. She expressed shock over the incident, emphasizing that the cat had never shown aggressive behavior before.
The exact circumstances surrounding Dmitry’s death are still under investigation, and the fate of Styopka remains unclear.
This heartbreaking case highlights the unexpected risks that health vulnerabilities can pose, even from seemingly minor injuries. Dmitry is remembered as a devoted pet owner whose tragic passing underscores the fragility of life.