we keep saying...NO MORE!!! ~ Saving for Surgery for Scooter

[Tambrey]

Good idea Cleo....I just e-mailed the vet and attached the link with pictures of the kitten.

I also let them know that even though I do not have ready available funds, I can help with fundraising if Cat's Cradle is a non-profit 501(c)(3). My Tomboy Tools business does work with non-profits and when I set up a fundraiser, they receive 20% of commisionable sales. I would be willing to do fundraisers on a regular basis to ensure that finding is available for this kitten and future cats that need assistance.

Hoping I hear back today...I will let you know

[Traci]

Look into veterinary universities, nearby, and particularly orthopedic veterinary surgeons (preferably board-certified). Ortho vets love this type of surgery. They are out there!!

Don't depend on state veterinary medical associations, they are the last people to ask for help.

Call local tv stations, or at least, a few of the most popular ones in your area that cover a wide territory (would that be Sioux Falls or Sioux City?) - state specifically you need help/direction in finding a vet to volunteer to help this baby (who's situation is similar to Corky's).

Btw, you don't even know if kitten requires surgery at this point. Sometimes, braces are all that's necessary to determine if ongoing development will hinder or help the condition. Either way, kitten needs professional help.

[Traci]

Great idea from Cleo, but do a followup CALL to Dr Burchill, or request from the receptionist that your call is returned by him, regarding a special case similar to Corky's. He is most likely a very busy surgeon, but it's worth getting an exam/consult with him, and if he's interested then that will save wasted time looking for someone else.

Dr Burchill consulted with several other experts prior to Corky's surgery, so if for some reason he was unavailable to do a surgery, he could possibly refer you to a vet who could.

[Tambrey]

Thanks Traci...

We had a nice bowel movement then a swim in the bathroom sink...while swimming I was supporting the hind legs in a non-crossed position...

then when it was snuggled up in the dishtowel to dry off, I eventually tucked a corner of the towel between its legs so they were gently supported uncrossed while I continued to rub it dry and play with it...then I eventually started to just massage and rub its right hind leg while supporting its foot with my thumb...it just laid there kneading the air and ocassionally licking its front paws and purrrring, so I kept massaging and rubbing until it was actually able to lick its hind foot - probably for the first time...
then I switched up to the left leg, which is not as crooked, and as soon as I started to massage that leg, the natural bend began to show, so I just kept massaging and rubbing that leg until it was almost to a full bend in the correct position...it never tensed or pulled away, so I just kept working with it...its little tail was twitching and quivering but otherwise it just kneaded and purrred

after it was totally dry, I put it on the carpeted floor, with the tea towel underneath it to protect from carpet burns...I tucked it again between its hind legs so they were uncrossed as it worked on pulling itself around the floor...we got to the point where i just held my fingers between its legs to keep them uncrossed a it explored the floor between my legs....
before I put it back into its tote to rest (yeah right it is mewling away!)...I tried putting its left leg underneath of it as it stood there, and it did stand for a brief moment....

I figure if nothing else...bit by bit and day by day I will just keep massaging and working with its legs and see what we can do until I can find someone....

[Tina B and crew]

I admire your dedication Tambrey. This itty bitty kitten sure is lucky!

[Traci]

How's it going with kitten, have you talked to that vet?

[Tambrey]

No replies from anyone...very discouraging...probably because I cannot pay, even though I offered to do fundraising with Tomboy Tools...

I did take it to the city hospital and since I am getting its legs to move into a natural position when I massage after a swim in warm water, they said ot keep doing that for now...if we still do not see noticable improvements in a week or so, we will look at creating some sort of braces...the thing there is that every time it goes bathroom, they will need to be replaced, so it has to be something with vet wrap cut into strips and maybe finger braces cut down to size...since it is still so tiny, we need to get creative if we end up bracing the legs...

My husband shocked me today though...I go do Denver next Thursday morning and return late Saturday night...I have not said anything but was wondering what is going to happen to this kitten with missing three whole days of therapy....Scooter is what we named it...and I was going to teach my mom how to do the therapy....I basically do it after every potty cleanup, since it needs to get dunked into warm water to clean the poop off, and then I just hold it and let it swim around for a while after it is clean...then I have microfiber cloths to help dry it faster and softer than paper towels or terricloth towels...

Well, my husband put in for vacation time, mind you, he did this on his own without even telling me in case it was denied, so he will not need to go to work on the Thursday or Friday, so he will be doing potty cleanups, water therapy and massage therapy ...he said someone needs to be here with it and do the therapy

He also is working on creating some sort of wheeled device in the event that the legs never get straightened enough for it to run freely...but we are hoping good things for Scooter...

[slvrwhispr]

Aaaaaand he's yours for life.

Congratulations on your new family member, Tambrey! Keep us posted, as always.

[Traci]

Tambrey, don't take this wrong, and while admirable you'd fashion some way for therapy or braces, this isn't a job for someone without experience nor knowing exactly what kitten's condition is - you could actually cause more harm by doing so, please understand that. He needs to see a qualified vet for a thorough exam and to determine what is necessary to help.

Again, CALL the vet who helped Corky, and badger the cat group until you get a response. Don't just wait for response to email, get on the phone and don't take no for an answer (in other words, portray that you are determined).

[Tambrey]

I do understand that....my main concern is hip placement...I can massage its legs and feet and get them to loosen and stretch, gently...but even so, the hips are not going to be positioned correctly if we cannot get a proper fitting brace...so I do know that there is more that needs to be done...

but I have a feeling that none of them want to respond because I do not have the money to pay....Corky's surgery cost over $4500 for them to do...not to mention his continuing therapy sessions...

I understand that they have their financial limits as well...and they have to draw the line somewhere...

I will keep trying...keep checking...but in the end, if they say no...then what...I have to do what I can for it and give it the best life possible....