February 2023

Inside this issue:

• Update on Edward (the kitty with Pectus Excavatum)
• Meet Burrito, a 14-year-old, four-paw-declawed cat relinquished to Animal Care Centers 
• Senior kitty Biscuit is in search of his happily-ever-after
• February is the month of love -- show it to someone you love, by sponsoring a kitty in their honor.

Edward is recovering (and doing well!) from his surgery

In our last Ladew Mews, we introduced you to Edward, who, at just 12 weeks old, was born with a congenital condition known as Pectus Excavatum.  Pectus Excavatum (also called "funnel chest") is an abnormality of the cartilage of the sternum and rib cage.  In some cases no intervention is needed but in more severe cases, the condition causes constriction of the thoracic cavity where the heart and lungs live.  Edward's case was severe enough to need intervention, and he had surgery on 1/16/23 at the Animal Surgical Center. 

The plate you see in the picture of Edward was placed during surgery and is working to reform the cartilage in his sternum and rib cage to give room for his heart and lungs.

Edward is doing very well post-op, with no complications.  As a bonus, he's even figured out he can carry his favorite mouse around attached to the velcro of his E-Collar!  He should be cleared in a week or so and ready for his next adventure -- a new home!

While we hope that Edward's condition will be completely corrected with this surgery (and things are looking good!), PHLF will cover any approved medical care related to Edward's congenital condition, if he needs any, even after he finds his forever home.  

Thank you to all who have donated to help him -- his surgery was $2,000 -- any help would be appreciated!

Meet Burrito! The four-paw-declawed kitty who lost his claws, his home and nearly his life! 

14 year-old, four-paw-declawed Burrito was relinquished to Animal Care Centers due to aggression.   Burrito was indeed aggressive when he arrived at Animal Care Centers and we know why --  he was in pain.  Upon intake, Dr. Susan could see where Burrito's aggression was coming from -- his deformed and swollen paws.

Xray of Burrito's right rear paw with evidence of bone fragments and swelling

With financial help provided by The Paw Project, Burrito had his paws further evaluated and x-rayed at Oyster Bay Animal Hospital.  The radiographs were then sent to a board certified radiologist who confirmed that Burrito not only has remnants of bone left in nearly every digit of all four paws, his right rear paw is inflamed and swollen because of it (and the left rear paw is almost as bad).  

Declawing is an invasive, inhumane procedure that consists of amputation of the third digit of the toes (phalanx 3).  In Burrito's case, P3 was cut somewhere in the middle of the bone, leaving bone fragments behind.  Imagine walking your whole life with pebbles in your shoes and you will know what Burrito has been going through.

Burrito was started on pain medication as soon as he arrived with us and has shown zero signs of aggression.  He is scheduled to have paw revision surgery (to remove the fragments) on his back paws courtesy of The Paw Project.  The surgery will be performed by Paw Project veterinarian, Dr. Michal Hess of Glendale Veterinary Clinic on February 17th.  

According to an article in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, approximately 63% of declawed cats have radiographic evidence of residual P3 fragments left behind, and other declawed cats have significant increases of back pain, biting and/or inappropriate urination as compared to non-declawed cats.  If you would like to help end declawing, or would like to donate to The Paw Project to help more cats afford the revision surgery, please visit our friends at The Paw Project. 

Biscuit is ready for a home!

10-year-old Biscuit is looking for a new home.  This incredibly sweet boy was a transfer to us from Animal Care Centers.

Biscuit (who may be part Abyssinian) has no health issues and is super-friendly!  

He is available through our Seniors for Seniors program where we cover his reasonable future medical expenses for any approved senior citizen that is lucky enough to be adopted by Biscuit!

If you would like to meet Biscuit, give us a call at 516-922-CATS or email us at info@theladewcatsanctuary.org