Gemma and Palani are two very special cats that have touched the hearts of RCR volunteers. Both are young cats who came into care with special needs that resulted in amputation surgeries.

Gemma is a sweet young cat who was rescued just a few days before giving birth to a litter of kittens. She was diagnosed with a heart murmur but that resolved on its own once her kittens were weaned. Unfortunately, Gemma had other issues to overcome. She started having mobility issues and it was determined that she was missing the 4th bone in each of her toes on her one back leg, possibly a congenital condition or else trauma. At that time, we agreed with the vet’s recommendation to shave the cutaneous horns to align them with the other toes. While we were optimistic, it soon became apparent that Gemma was still in considerable pain when walking, essentially stepping right on bone.

A vet specializing in mobility and rehabilitation was consulted and recommended amputation of the limb at the hip to give Gemma her best chance at a pain free life. Gemma recently had the surgery and has been rocking her recovery, surprising her dedicated foster family with her quick adaption to life with 3 limbs. Gemma will soon be fully healed and ready for a forever home.

Palani was still a kitten when he was taken to a local vet clinic for euthanization due to an injury that required an orthopaedic surgery to correct. Rather than euthanize the young, otherwise healthy cat, the vet took him under his care and performed a Femoral Head Ostectomy ( FHO), a procedure that removes the head and neck from the femur to alleviate pain. While the procedure was a success, Palani continued to be lame. The poor cat had another injury to the femur that caused causing irregular bowing of the bone as well as the most severe form of medial patellar luxation - his knee could not be moved back to the proper position. Once again, amputation was recommend to ensure ongoing quality of life for Palani.

Palani recovering at home after his surgery.

The surgery went very well and he is now recovering with the help of his loving foster moms. He will be available for adoption once he has fully recovered.

RCR is grateful to our generous donors and supporters who make it possible for us to get these rescues the care they need to live long, happy and healthy lives. We would also like to thank Regent Park Animal Hospital for performing Palani’s surgery pro bono and the Veterinary Mobility Centre for contributing to Palani’s surgery through their Archie Fund animals in need of unique care.

For information on how to adopt, foster or donate, please visit www.reginacatrescue.com