Italian Doctor Investigated for Using Hospital Equipment to Save Injured Cat

Dr. Gianluca Fanelli faces scrutiny after performing a CAT scan and surgery on his pet Athena using hospital resources after hours.

Dr. Gianluca Fanelli, a radiologist in Aosta, Italy, used hospital equipment to save his cat Athena, who suffered severe injuries from a six-story fall.
Fanelli performed a CAT scan and pneumothorax surgery on Athena after determining her condition was life-threatening, using the hospital's facilities after hours.
Hospital officials have launched an inquiry, citing concerns over hygiene, misuse of public resources, and potential violations of hospital policies.
Fanelli has apologized for any rule violations and offered to reimburse the hospital for any costs incurred, emphasizing his commitment to saving lives, including those of animals.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion in Italy about healthcare access and ethics, with some defending Fanelli's actions as compassionate and others criticizing them as inappropriate.