Lil' Joe's Surgery

Joseph (Lil Joe) is a sweet kitten that has had a rough start in life.  He was abandoned by his mother at 4 weeks of age.  Luckily, a Good Samaritan brought him into our local veterinary office where the team worked tirelessly to get him well.  Initially, he had to be hand fed and kept on warming blankets because he was unable to keep his body temperature up on his own.  He had many close calls where the veterinary team had to sit vigil with him, making sure that he stayed with us. Often, he had to go home with staff members to continue his nursing through the night.  After a few weeks, he was able to eat on his own and began to act like a normal little kitten!  

Unfortunately, his good health would not last.  Poor little Joseph contracted ringworm and required daily baths and medicated ointment for the next month.  Because ringworm can be transmitted to people and other animals, Lil Joe couldn't come out to play and be cuddled as much as he wanted.  It was a long month for both Joseph and the veterinary staff.  But, FINALLY, Joseph was given a clean bill of health! Or so we thought.

It's at this point that we get to the reason we are asking for donations.  As Lil Joe continued to grow, he developed an abnormality called Pectus Excavatum.  This abnormality has caused his chest to be sunken and doesn't allow enough room for his heart and lungs.  His lungs are not able to fully expand causing Joseph to get out of breath very easily.  He still wants to play like a normal kitten, but his abnormality will not allow him.  

Once this abnormality was discovered, Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine was contacted.  They donated their time and resources to develop a 3D model of his chest and a surgical plan to correct Lil Joe's abnormality.  Without surgery, Lil Joe will most likely not survive to be an adult.  Although the generous staff at the College are donating as much time and resources as they can, we still need to raise money to cover the remaining cost of the surgery.

Little Joseph has been through so much in his 13 weeks of life.  I don't know many people or pets that would be able to go through this and stay as happy and outgoing as he is.  He has touched the lives of so many people in the time that he has been with us.  With this surgery, he would have a chance at the normal life that has thus far eluded him.

The funds need to be raised within the next two weeks to ensure that Lil Joe doesn't outgrow the 3D model of his chest.  Anyone who is able to donate will have the eternal thanks of everyone at the veterinary clinic, the team at Purdue, Lil Joe's adoptive family, and, of course, Lil Joe.