Please Help Pretzel the Cat Survive Another 7 Lives

As veterinarians, we are obligated to help animals suffering from a variety of medical conditions. Occasionally, we encounter exceptional animals that deserve our help despite the seeming insurmountable odds stacked against them. Recently, a professional associate of mine found herself in such a situation when she met Pretzel the cat. On April 24th, a good Samaritan found a wounded young cat living as a stray in her neighborhood. As the cat exhibited obvious inability to use its hind limbs and appeared to be suffering, she brought the cat to TLC Pet Medical Centers in West Hollywood for humane euthanasia. After evaluating this amazingly sweet, 4 pound, intact female Domestic Short Haired (DSH) cat, Dr. Revel realized that this poor girl gravely needed medical intervention. Dr. Revel humanely accepted this cat as a surrender to avoid euthanasia and give her a second shot at a good quality of life. The cat was given then name “Pretzel,” as her reduced functioning hind limbs cause her to have an abnormal gait and twisted appearance. Pretzel had been likely hit by a car some time in the past month before she presented for veterinary evaluation. Against all odds, Pretzel had survived the dangers of street life by using her normal front limbs to ambulate, while her nearly paralyzed hind limbs dragged behind. A severe flea infestation had also weakened Pretzel by causing anemia (low red blood cell count). Radiographs (xrays) revealed a shattered pelvis and torn diaphragm (muscular sheet that separates the chest and abdominal cavity). The tear in her diaphragm permitted Pretzel’s intestines and liver to enter her chest cavity next to her heart and lungs. One of her lung lobes was completely collapsed. It is remarkable that Pretzel survived such potentially life threatening injuries. Pretzel underwent surgery to repair her diaphragm and was spayed. Since then, she has continued to make a miraculous improvement. Pretzel’s pelvis has healed with abnormal conformation and she is slowly regaining sensation in her previously paralyzed legs! California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW), Inc. is donating acupuncture treatments to help Pretzel to better regain hind limb sensation and motor skills. Despite the compromise to her mobility, Pretzel can readily move to her food, litter box, and bed. Pretzel is about 1 year old, FIV/FeLV negative, fecal test negative, and will be 5 to 6 pounds once she regains some muscle weight. She loves to cuddle in a warm human’s lap or rest in her cat bed. Pretzel is very mellow and sweet as can be. If you can help foster her or find her a forever home please email Dr. Monica Revel at Revel@tlcvet.com. For more photos of Pretzel, please see gallery of her first acupuncture treatment. Thank you, Patrick Mahaney VMD CVA Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW), Inc.