Kitten found on the side of the road in BC needs leg amputation after suffering ‘degloving’

A tiny kitten found severely injured on the side of the road in BC will need to have her leg amputated, the BC SPCA says.

Cola is an eleven-week-old kitten who was found on the side of a rural road in Montney, about 24 kilometres north of Fort St. John.

Rescuers explain that Cola’s leg was degloved, meaning that the skin and the tissue on her leg were removed. It’s not known what exactly happened to her, but degloving can happen as a result of getting hit by a car or being attacked by an animal.

The kind people who found her rushed her to an emergency vet clinic. The clinic then contacted the BC SPCA in Fort St. John.

“We were happy to take Cola into our care and cover the costs of her treatment,” says Sara Hamanishi, manager of the BC SPCA’s North Peace animal centre.

Cola needed to stay overnight in the veterinary clinic where she was given fluids and pain medication.

Her leg was examined and x-rayed and it was determined that she had no nerve function in the leg. She will need amputation surgery and further medical care to make a full recovery.

“Her leg was bandaged, and she was put on kennel rest until she can have the surgery,” adds Hamanishi. “She needs frequent bandage changes here at the animal centre to help keep her leg from getting infected.”

The SPCA staff add that Cola has been “remarkably tolerant” during bandage changes, highlighting her trusting nature and her resilience and cheerful disposition make her an inspiration to everyone around her.

“Cola is a delightful kitten with a sweet and snuggly personality who loves cuddling. She is playful and spirited and enjoys her toys,” says Hamanishi.

“She is such a little fighter with the strongest spirit. She is up for any challenge she faces.”