06/25/2024
❤ Bradley's Story ❤
Kitten season is always busy and this year is off the charts. Our shelter is full, overfull actually, but when a neighbor knocks on your door about a sickly stray kitten…well, the space is found. This is the dilemma of all shelters – how can we say no when we know the outcome will be bad for the helpless animal if we don’t step in? In this case, the heatwave had just begun and would likely have done this kitten in as he was already half-starved and seriously dehydrated. Of course it was Friday and vet offices were closed for the weekend. Would Bradley (named for the street he was found near) even make it until Monday?
After a Dawn bath and visual exam, it was clear that he was in bad shape with fleas, ear mites, a serious infected tail injury with a 2-inch open gash, and multiple pencil erasure-sized infected wounds on his abdomen. After a long weekend of watching and waiting, Bradley did survive and made it to his 10am Monday vet appointment where we quickly learned that this 9-month-old, 4.9lb kitten’s infected wounds were also infested with maggots and that he had two types of internal parasites. We sent him off to surgery knowing he was in good hands, but with fingers crossed for good news. Instead we got mixed news. Bradley’s tail wound did not have enough healthy tissue to suture closed so it was in danger of amputation. The infected abdominal puncture wounds went much deeper than expected, down into both hind legs, and could not be fully closed. But Bradley is a fighter and woke up hungry and playful. The staff fell in love with him and raved about his determination.
Back in his foster home Bradley seemed truly grateful to be safe, clean, fed, and loved – but especially fed, lol. His appetite was ravenous and his stamina was growing, but two days later he had a setback when he pulled out some of his abdominal stitches. Back to the vet we went for another round of surgery to repair the damage. This time Bradley came home with an e-collar, which he did not like, but so far his stitches are intact!
Bradley was rescued ten days ago and all signs indicate that he will survive, though his tail is still in danger of amputation. The bandage is changed every two or three days and, although we see some healing, the wound is still quite large and open. Time will tell, but tail or not, we expect him to live a long happy life. He has been through so much and would love nothing more than to put this all behind him and find his furever home. 🐾
Caution: Graphic Photos
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