05/02/2023
Last week I shared about a sick little kitten named Von Dutch. I didn’t share more about him because my optimism regarding his case was fading, and I didn’t want to burden everyone with an uncertain and sad story. But I do want to update you and let you know that unfortunately after 7 challenging days of supportive care, he was not responsive to treatment and continued to worsen, and it was kindest to humanely let him go.
These decisions are never easy, but I take comfort in knowing that he was given the best chance possible, and that he will leave behind a real legacy through his contribution to research.
As you may know, my nonprofit Orphan Kitten Club has an ethical research program, and this year we are kicking off a multi-year Failure to Thrive study in partnership with UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Kittens entered into this study are neonates who have received at least 72 hours of proper husbandry and supportive care, but who have still passed naturally or required humane euthanasia. Through necropsy & histopathology, this study examines the (many) root causes of failure to thrive, and will report on trends and findings.
Von Dutch’s remains are entered in this study and have been examined. While some symptoms of disease were evident prior to his passing (severe upper respiratory infection and inflammation, ulceration of the tongue likely due to calicivirus, secondary bacterial pneumonia), his preliminary report also shows thymus atrophy & middle ear infection. We will learn more soon.
Von Dutch was a sweet kitten who loved to be pet. He is survived by his mama Kitson and his two siblings, one of whom has some similar symptoms but is stable. We will remember him as we care for them, and honor his memory through research.
People commonly say that some kittens “have fading kitten syndrome” and “just pass.” This isn’t true. Every kitten who isn’t thriving is sick for a reason. We can discover those trends through scientific inquiry and hopefully, someday, improve outcomes for kittens through what we learn. I’m proud that our organization can spearhead the quest for pediatric knowledge & I am grateful to our donors who make that possible.
You can honor Von Dutch through a charitable contribution at this link:
orphankittenclub.org/donate ❤️
