Facing a Challenge Head On

All rescue organizations face challenges. SNUGGLE Pet Rescue is no exception. We are currently dealing with a tough one. There has been an unusual increase in the number of our kittens that are dying. This is a loss that hits each of our Foster Care team members extremely hard because they devote so much of their time to keeping the kittens in their care alive.

At the first signs of a kitten starting to fade, our highly skilled volunteers know how to take immediate action to turn whatever is going on around. In many cases they have succeeded. What has worked in the past, is not working as well now though which has us puzzled.

SNUGGLE Pet Rescue has always gone the extra mile for our fosters, doing whatever it takes to meet their every need. That is why we have taken some of the kittens that passed away recently to our vet to have necropsies done. Handing the tiny lifeless bodies over is painful but we know that to prevent other kittens from dying, we have to get to the bottom of these unexplained deaths.

There are two types of necropsies. A Gross Necropsy is a detailed examination of an animal and its organs with the naked eye to begin to determine the cause of death. Microscopic Necropsies involve a more in-depth tissue examination to identify diseases and other factors.  We have requested both types for our kittens. The second one is not done in most veterinary practices, so it takes some extra time to get these results since it is done in an off-site lab, which has us eagerly waiting for the results.

One possibility being considered is Feline Panleukopenia. A snap test was done on one of the deceased kittens and it came back positive for the virus.  Symptoms of this virus are depression, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. However, none of the kittens who have died displayed any of these, even the one who tested positive. One minute they were taking a whole bottle and a short time later they were dead. This is not normal. What we suspect may be happening, and we have no medical proof of it, is that the virus is mutating. This has been verified recently in other viruses that affect cats and dogs though. We share this so people are aware and start asking their own questions.  This has to be a learning experience in order for it all to make sense.  To learn more about the virus click on the link below.

What to Know About Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)

Until we know for sure what is going on, two of our primary Foster Care Volunteers will not be taking in new kittens. Even though we have always followed the strictest disinfecting protocols we have to be extra cautious right now. What this means for SNUGGLE Pet Rescue and the kittens we are asked to take is that we may have to say no because we don’t have enough people to care for them, which is something we are not used to doing.

If you would be interested in becoming an Emergency Foster Care Volunteer, we could definitely use you right now. Even if it is just for a short time that will help to get us past this challenging time. We will be doing a special class to train people in the coming days. So, if you would like to step up at this crucial time, click on the link to read more about what is required of a Foster Care Volunteer and if you would still like to help fill out an application.

Foster Care Program | SNUGGLE Pet Rescue

We have shared this because SNUGGLE Pet Rescue has always felt it is critical to be honest with those who support our lifesaving work.

PLEASE READ the comment shared below by one of our Foster Care Volunteers to gain an even greater understanding of what we are going through.