Petey

Petey was brought to NASAP as part of a litter of 5, approx. 6 week old orphaned kittens. They had all been dropped off at a vet clinic to be euthanized. A few days after intake it was noticed that Petey seemed lethargic and not eating. Concerned volunteers rushed him in to Calgary Trail Pet Hospital. Petey was dehydrated and running a fever and he was immediately rehydrated with subQ fluids. He was transferred to one of our foster homes that specializes in caring for young, orphaned kittens. Petey remained with his foster family for a few days where he recovered from his fever with antibiotics and lots of TLC. However, he had to return to the clinic soon after as he kept vomiting. After testing, it was determined that Petey was suffering from a viral infection called Panleukopenia (feline distemper).

The panleukopenia virus kills rapidly dividing body cells, including white blood cells of the immune system. This reduction in these cells makes the cat susceptible to other complications and bacterial infections. While cats of any age may be infected, young kittens, sick cats and indoor cats that have not been vaccinated are most susceptible. Kittens less than 16 weeks of age can die at a rate as high as 75% from this horrible virus. However, with immediate supportive vet care, kittens can fight the virus and start to recover after 5 days or so. Petey was placed on 24 hour IV fluids to keep him hydrated and to deliver his medications. He was too sick/weak to eat on his own and had to be hand-fed. His white blood cell count was close to zero and he was near death.

 

 

Petey has a fighting spirit, and with the expert care he received from his foster home and Calgary Trail Pet Clinic, he slowly recovered. He was taken off of IV and he began to eat on his own. We thought that Petey had cleared his last obstacle and would soon be ready for adoption, but he has suffered yet another setback. Petey has undergone more medical tests because he falls down often and his back legs don’t seem to work properly sometimes (ataxia). The vets now feel that this permanent but stable condition is likely as a result of his battle with distemper, and it is yet another hurdle that this small, young creature has had to face. Although he might not have as long a life-expectancy of a normal cat, he is happy and adoptable to the right home. Through everything, Petey’s spirit has kept him going and allowed him to thrive against all odds. Petey’s treatment costs have run into the hundreds of dollars, and we desperately need your help to offset some of this cost. There are those that would have said don't do it and that it’s not worth the time, effort and money to save this one life. If you could look into this darling baby’s eyes, experience his wonderful personality, and know how hard he worked to stay with us and get better, there would be no doubt in your mind that we did the right thing. Please donate towards Petey’s vet care or become a valued foster home with NASAP, and help save the next Petey. Thank you.

 

Update: Petey is a girl! During all those vet visits, you would think someone would have noticed:)! Oh well, she's very content with her name and is happily living with her brother Hansel and her friend Jasmine in her new forever home. Her new owner writes: We adore them and they are happy and thriving. Thank you for saving them, i can't begin to tell you how much happiness they bring us and how much we love them...Petey is growing very fast, she kinda looks like a teenager now, with long legs and a lot of personality. She met my son's Papillon dog last week-end and ruled!!!! They ended up playing with each other and sleeping on the same couch within 2 short hours! Jazzy wasn't impressed but joined in anyway, sleeping at the other end of the couch. Petey is doing very well in the stairs, storming through them, nice that they are carpet! They both love their food, and Petey loves to sleep right onto the hot air vents in every room... I wonder if she's been cold in her 'younger' days, but that's what she does, she grooms herself on the vents! Petey has her favorite toys, and he drags them all over the place and Jazzy chases Petey and the the other end of the stick toys!! They are the sunshine in our lives, they make us laugh and go "awe..." in admiration and love of them... Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving their lives and giving us the gift of them!!