Special TLC helps revive starving kitten
The Buddy Foundation strives to locate the best facility to medically treat our animals, depending on the condition they are in when they find their way to us. Specialty care such as orthopedic, cardiac, eye or 24/7 round-the-clock are the norm, not the exception, for us. Sometimes these decisions have to be made at a moment’s notice to truly be lifesaving. Such is the case with the foundation’s latest serious rescue named Thumper.
Why the name Thumper? This 5-month-old feline weighed only 2 pounds at intake and was so underweight and tiny he was no larger than a small rabbit.
Thumper’s rescuer saw him trying to cross the street, but he was so weak he gave up and fell down. When Thumper was brought to Buddy, it was immediately apparent that he needed emergency care 24/7. His body temperature was only 95 degrees. He was so cold. His temperature should have been 101-102 degrees. He was so dehydrated and starving that his blood sugar plummeted to 44, while 100 is the expected norm.
Karo syrup is a must-have for emergency care at home or at any facility that cares for animals. Little Thumper was immediately given a dose of syrup to elevate his blood sugar. We also needed to elevate his body temperature if he was to survive the car ride. We used a special heated disc wrapped in his blankets to keep him warm. This is another handy item to keep in your own household for animal emergencies. In a pinch, a hot water bottle or rubber glove filled with hot water can work, just not as effectively.
Thumper was transfused with fluids to hydrate him. He was so dehydrated his eyes were dry and sunken in his face. This little guy would need round-the-clock fluid therapy if he stood a chance at survival. He would be syringe fed KMR (a special, rich vitamin milk, high in calories) and second stage meat baby food.
We are happy to report that Thumper is a fighter with an intense spirit to survive. Thumper is in home care and is eating three or four jars of baby food daily along with multiple bowls of KMR. His life now revolves around eating and sleeping to recover his strength. He is too weak to play or even understand what play is. He is content to know he is cared for, has plenty of food and is no longer cold. The life has begun to come back to the once sunken-in eyes. There is a peace and gratitude in those tiny eyes and in his face. Thumper’s prognosis is for a full recovery; however his size may always be diminutive because of the initial deprivation of nourishment at such a tender age. He makes up for his size with his wonderful spirit.
You can follow Thumper’s progress in Buddy Beat and online at our website. You can also help Thumper and other cats like Thumper by assisting us with supplies and donations for ongoing and emergency care. Thumper is only one of the many animals that receive emergency care once entrusted to Buddy. Please help us shoulder some of the financial and emotional responsibility for these tiny wonders. If you cannot help financially, you could make that delayed phone call to volunteer at the shelter in daily care or perhaps for an event that is a fundraiser.
Adoptables
Sneakers is a 5-year-old, spayed tabby with white that came to Buddy as a front-paw declaw. Sneakers is vocal and extremely friendly. She seeks attention anytime someone walks into a room.
Hudson is a brown tabby male that is neutered and is a year old. This guy has the most unusual markings that almost display a torbie pattern on his back. Hudson gets along with other felines and is considered a greeter by anyone who enters his room. Hudson loves to perch up high in a cat tree and watch the birds at our outside feeder. This guy thinks he is really entertaining.
Easter bunny visit
Ester the bunny will make an appearance before Easter for photos with your family and to lead the egg hunt and treat hunt. Watch for more details on our website.
Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, or online at thebuddyfoundation.org.