Dolly, a homeless kitten, was less than four months old when she was abandoned to her own fate. Luckily, the MSPCA shelter staff took her in and immediately realized that Dollie was suffering from a strange, unknown disease they had never seen before.
“She unexpectedly started feeling quite ill,” Sara-Rose Brenner, of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
“We had never seen anything like it,” Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs for MSPCA-Angell, said in a release.
The Munchkin breed kitty was very weak. Her hair began to fall out, and the skin on some parts of her body literally disappear. For example, the condition of her ears, feet, and tail deteriorated. The shelter staff did everything they could to help her and called a dermatologist.
The doctor determined that Dolly had ischemic dermatopathy, which is characterized by skin lesions. But the cat’s life could have been saved and the entire team helped her recover more quickly with medications and special procedures. Dolly had to have one hind leg removed, but other than that, the treatment was going great. After a while, she grew a healthy coat and was much more cheerful!
“We’ll probably never know what caused that reaction, but we diagnosed it in time to prevent progression and save two of her legs that were in danger,” Dr. Painter said. “We did have to amputate her tail and one leg, but we expect she’ll live a long, happy life, something that would not have been possible without extensive teamwork between the hospitals and the clinic.”
“Dollie’s been with us for a while and it’s time for her to find the loving home that she so desperately deserves after this ordeal,” said Keiley. “We don’t think that she’ll need any specific ongoing care because of this condition, just a family that’s looking for a unique cat and is willing to work with a vet to address any future medical needs.”
Her treatment has now been going on for two months. The little one is already looking much better and feeling great. They have already started looking for Dolly’s new owners since she is able to live a full life now. Of course, her future owners will keep an eye on her, but this sweet little creature is full of love and gratitude, and deserves a better life! Be happy, Dolly!
