Odd cat helps raise funds to expand services at vet hospital
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - After an Internet sensation fell from a couch and sought treatment at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, fundraising efforts are underway to help other pets that are just as unique.
Lil Bub, a cat that was the runt of a feral litter, is a toothless dwarf with an extra toe on each paw and suffers from a multitude of genetic anomalies. It wasn't until she was a year old that Lil Bub's owner, Mike Bridavsky, said she was diagnosed with osteoporosis.
"She couldn't move at all," Bridavsky said. "We found some treatment for her using pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. She was able to recover, and since then, she has been doing really well. She could jump, run, and she still can do those things, but I think the biggest obstacle for her is going to be arthritis."
Although falling off a couch might not be a problem for most animals, Bridavsky said Lil Bub's osteoporosis makes accidents like this more dangerous.
Bridavsky, who lives in Bloomington, said he sought many opinions on Lil Bub's fractured elbow, but is glad he chose treatment at Purdue.
"We are lucky to be so close," Bridavsky said. "It was recommended by some friends, but also by the first surgeon we went to see in Indianapolis. It was a difficult day getting opinions and second opinions, and we finally were given the recommendation to head up to Purdue based on the complications with surgery and Lil Bub's own medical condition."
Lil Bub's surgery was a success. As a result, the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital wants to expand its services to smaller cats and dogs, as well as more exotic pets and wild animals, but doesn't have the tools to do so. The campaign to purchase a collection of instruments is nearly to its funding goal.
Tanya Finkbiner, director of development for the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, said she is elated with how quickly funds have been raised toward the Lil Bub surgery set.
"We knew how loyal Lil Bub's fan following was, and we were really excited about the opportunity to expand the knowledge of our care to her followers," Finkbiner said. "It's been really exciting and new to do in regards with working with a celebrity pet, and we all couldn't be more pleased."
With almost 2.75 million Facebook fans and her own website, Lil Bub is one of the most popular cats on the Internet. Looking at the journey they have shared, Bridavsky said he believes it is all of Lil Bub's own doing.
"Ultimately, she was destined for it," Bridavsky said. "Obviously ... I shared photos online and then it went viral, and I think she chose me to facilitate all of this."
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Source: (Lafayette) Journal & Courier, http://on.jconline.com/1Rhjvj0
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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com