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Kitten takes baby steps towards recovery after amputation surgery

Dec 14, 2017 | 1:48 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Milo the kitten is working hard to get back on his feet.

Milo’s hind leg had to be amputated two days ago, after suffering irreparable damage from what his previous owners believe was either an animal attack, or that Milo had gotten stuck in a tree.

Medicine Hat SPCA executive director Katie Ayres said amputation was Milo’s only option.

“There was no point in trying to save the leg the way it was. There were wounds to the bone as well as wounds to the outside of the leg,” said Ayres.

Because Milo is so young – Ayres said his previous owner estimated he is somewhere between 9-10 weeks old – staff are confident that he will bounce back quickly from the operation.

Milo is just one of the animals at the Medicine Hat SPCA that have been surrendered because the previous owners could not afford the veterinarian bills associated with emergency medical situations.

Ayres said the problem, however, is that the SPCA’s funding cannot cover expensive bills associated with emergency medical procedures.

“It’s all money we have to raise through donations. [Our funding] is much pretty much all dedicated towards spay, neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and de-worming – just the very basics,” said Ayres.

At least eight other surrendered animals currently at the shelter are battling health issues that will cost thousands of dollars to treat.

While the SPCA provides animals like Milo with the medical care they need, Ayres said it’s difficult to keep up with their limited funding.

“We’re at least double our budgeted amount every month for vet bills,” said Ayres.

The SPCA relies heavily on public donations to help fund surgeries for animals in need. Ayres said they are thankful for the public’s contributions – Milo’s medical expenses for his surgery have been nearly covered, with about $500 left on the bill.

But Ayres added that fundraising efforts by staff are ongoing, because the shelter is constantly taking in sick or injured animals.