Rocket The Cat
Rocket has been cleared for surgery! This incredible kitty has beaten the odds! We have been helping Rocket with his veterinary care after he sustained multiple injuries to his front and back legs.
NORTH CAROLINA
Active Date
Tuesday, October 03, 2023
Status
Pets In Most Need
Story
Rocket has been cleared for surgery! This incredible kitty has beaten the odds! We have been helping Rocket with his veterinary care after he sustained multiple injuries to his front and back legs.
Rocket's front leg ankle was severely dislocated, and the wound in his back leg developed a severe infection, which took a few weeks to heal completely with daily treatments at the veterinary hospital, bandage changes, and medications.
Unfortunately, Rocket still could not put all his weight on his back leg after the infection and swelling resolved. His veterinarian took additional X-rays, and it showed that his back leg has damage to the ligaments. Rocket's leg will not be strong enough to support his weight once the front leg is amputated. Rocket's surgeon suggests repairing his back leg first. The surgical procedure; Arthrodesis involves the bony fusion of a joint to repair a significant injury.
In the beginning, euthanasia was suggested by the Emergency Veterinary Hospital due to the severity of his injuries, but something in our hearts told us to give Rocket a chance at life! Rocket has proven the veterinary world wrong. Rocket wants to live; he is so full of energy! Rocket is eating well and caring for his fur; he runs around like he enjoys life. π
We consulted with three veterinary hospitals and had a heart-to-heart regarding quality of life. However, the surgeons all agree that with Rocket's demeanor and resilience, and his mom's absolute devotion to his round the clock care, he can have a good, long life if he gets the surgeries. We cannot give up on Rocket and his mom now! π
Surgery on his back leg has been estimated between $3,500- 4,800. We fundraised for Rocket a few weeks ago. However, his medical costs have exceeded the amount we raised, and we have used funds from the emergency fund to cover the cost.
So, we must raise the total cost of his upcoming surgery. If you can open your heart again for Rocket, please donate today.
Rockets Story:
Rocket, the handsome North Carolina kitty, accidentally escaped outside over the weekend when his mom was moving. Rocket is an indoor-only cat and is unfamiliar with his new surroundings. His mom found Rocket a few hours later, and he was in bad shape!
Rocket was not bearing weight on his front left leg and had a significant wound on his back right leg. His mom cleaned his wound as much as possible, but this handsome boy evidently needed medical attention. His mom is low-income; she was terrified of how much it would cost to take him to a veterinary hospital because his injuries were so severe. She contacted us to see if we could help.
We paid for the initial examination; the wound on Rocketβs leg needed a drain placed to promote healing. However, X-rays of Rocket's front leg revealed his ankle was severely dislocated. He was treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and pain medications.
Rocket's veterinarian said his injuries were not caused by blunt force trauma or an animal attack; she believes Rocket hid somewhere, got stuck, and struggled to get free, or it was from a fall. Due to the severity of the injury to Rocket's leg and the amount of time that passed since the injury, his veterinarian could not manipulate his ankle back into place.
Rocketβs X-rays were sent to a Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist for a consultation to see if Rocketβs leg could be saved. Amputation surgery will cost $1,900.00, however; if his leg can be saved, extensive surgery will be needed where steel pins and screws are implanted to hold his joint in place, and that cost is estimated to be over $4,000.00.
