Cat brain surgery: the story of an operation – in pictures

Harry, a 12-year-old cat with a tumour on his pituitary gland, waits in his cage before going in to pre-op
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'The QMHA treats up to 8,000 patients every year.' Harry, having been prepared for surgery, is wheeled to the operating theatre
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'He could die but the owners decided it was better to attempt it.' Harry enters the operating theatre
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'An operation, costing £3,000, will win the patient a year or two of quality life.' The surgical tools ready for the operation
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'It's cutting edge. We're advancing veterinary science.' The team doing Harry's operation
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'Some question whether it's right for a state-of-the-art institution to be devoted to treating pets.' CT scans of Harry's head
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'The potential for the patient to become unstable is very high.' Patrick Kenny, the neurosurgeon, working to remove the tumour
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'You are talking about real utility and benefit to an animal.' The location of the tumour at the base of the brain means the surgeons opt to carry out the operation through Harry's mouth
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

'It's been a complete success.' Harry after the operation, at home with Tracy
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian