**WARNING: This story contains graphic images that may not be suitable for all readers.**
A cat is down a leg but on the road to recovery after being brought into the BC SPCA in critical condition last month.
The feline had a decaying cast on his leg when he crawled into the crawlspace of an Abbotsford home in mid-July.
He was discovered by the residents on July 18, obviously in pain and in need of immediate veterinary care.
Although the cat was hissing and hiding from them because of the pain, they were able to capture him and bring him into the BC SPCA’s Abbotsford animal centre immediately.
“There was a foul smell coming from the cast,” explained Sarah Ringer-Vennard from the Abbotsford animal centre. “We immediately brought him to an animal hospital for treatment and to get him some relief from the incredible pain he must have been in.”
The cat was given pain medication immediately after arriving at the vet and they were able to safely remove the rotting cast, which revealed a shocking and catastrophic injury.
“There was a huge amount of exposed broken bone and necrotic tissue, due to the wet cast,” said Ringer-Vennard. “It was obvious this was an old injury. I can’t imagine how he was able to walk at all, let alone crawl into a home for help.”
Given the nature of the animal’s injuries, the vet determined that the leg needed to be amputated.
“When they were performing the surgery, they realized that a lot more of the tissue surrounding the injury was dead than we had initially thought,” noted Ringer-Vennard. “They ended up having to do an amputation to the shoulder.”
Further bloodwork revealed a range of additional issues, including high glucose levels, anemia and potential pancreatitis.
The cat is now on the mend from those ailments and surgery, which is allowing him to finally start warming up to people, Ringer-Vennard says, especially those who greet him with treats.
“He is still a little nervous but that is to be expected after the trauma he experienced.”
Anyone able to help this cat and other animals in need across British Columbia is encouraged to donate to the BC SPCA through this link.
