Most kittens bounce through life without a care in the world, and Bumpy seemed no different when she first arrived from our North Country Adirondack Adoption Center. With her bright, shiny eyes and curious nature, Bumpy was the picture of health, but something was quietly and dangerously wrong.
Bumpy developed what appeared to be a respiratory infection and when our medical team investigated her condition further, x-rays revealed an unwelcome surprise. She suffered from a hiatal hernia, a serious condition in which part of her abdominal organs migrated into her chest cavity through a hole in her diaphragm.
“Given her young age and how her body adapted, we believe this is something she was born with,” explained Supervising Veterinarian Dr. Marina Tejada. “Her organs essentially plugged the hole, allowing her lungs to function, up until she got sick and her body struggled to compensate.” Without surgery, Bumpy’s condition could result in severe complications such as respiratory issues, airway obstruction, aspiration pneumonia and organ strangulation.
Bumpy was referred to a surgical specialist for the complex, high-risk procedure to return her organs to their proper position and repair the hernia; and her recovery required close, continuous monitoring. “She’s so small, and that makes the surgery even trickier,” Dr. Tejada shared. “But once healed, Bumpy can live a normal, healthy life.”
This kind of diagnosis and lifesaving intervention wouldn’t have been possible anywhere else. Bumpy’s condition was very easy to miss, and her treatment comes at a considerable financial expense, but thanks to our supporters, we can give animals like Bumpy a fighting chance.
Happily, Bumpy came through the complicated surgery like a champ. After recovering under the close watch of our Pet Health Centers staff, she’s back to being the lively and affectionate kitten we first met. If you would like to meet Bumpy, or think you can give her the loving home she’s always deserved, contact an Adoption Counselor today.
