Cruella

We've got another one of our fosters at Veterinary Specialty Services West tonight. The patient this time is a 10-week-old kitten named Cruella.

The call for help came in earlier today from Windfield, Missouri. A litter of kittens was born in the barn to a mother who had been dumped at the country home sometime back. The family kept an eye on them but didn't have to do anything because the mother was taking full responsibility for them. That changed in the last couple of days though.

Some type of animal appears to have been chasing Cruella, and it seems just before she darted into a safe spot, they got a hold of her rear end. When the woman spotted Cruella later, she knew something was wrong which is where we come into this story.

When our Foster Care Volunteer saw the injury, she knew it required the expertise of a veterinarian. The incident must have happened a few days ago because the kitten is weak and her gums are pale. Cruella is now on an IV and receiving antibiotics and pain medicine. Later tonight she will be put under anesthesia so the area around the tail can be thoroughly cleaned. The vet will know then whether she will have to amputate Cruella's tail.

Our patient remains in guarded condition, but we are still hoping for some signs of improvement tomorrow. Our Foster Care Volunteer is keeping her phone close, hoping not to get the call in the middle of the night that rarely ever brings good news.