Help Cream Soda Heal From a Devastating Injury
Warning: Some images may be graphic and heartbreaking.
When this helpless kitten was picked up as a stray on the streets of Queens, NY, he was in critical condition. Though only months old, Cream Soda had already endured unimaginable suffering.
The skin along his upper front limb had been ripped away — a brutal injury known as a degloving wound. By the time he reached North Shore Animal League America, most of the tissue along his leg was already gone.
“We’re not sure what caused the injury,” said Dr. Mark Verdino, Chief of Veterinary Staff, “but the danger with this type of wound is that it can damage the brachial plexus, which is the bundle of nerves that controls the forelimb. If those nerves are severely compromised, it could mean permanent paralysis.”
Before scrolling through these images below, please note that some are very graphic. But this is the work that we do and it’s important.
Cream Soda is facing a wait-and-see battle. During his last bandage change, Dr. Verdino noticed small signs of hope. Cream Soda tried to pull his leg back slightly, suggesting that some nerve function remains. “It’s a very good sign that he has sensation in his foot. If there’s usable function, we’ll fight to save the leg,” he explained.
But complications loom. Cream Soda spiked a fever, likely from inflammation or infection at the wound site. He’s being treated with antibiotics and pain medication, but his condition remains fragile. Each bandage change is critical. If the nerves turn out to be permanently damaged, amputation will be his only option. Fortunately, cats adapt remarkably well to losing a front limb, but we are doing everything possible to save his leg and give him the full life he deserves.
Through it all, Cream Soda remains sweet, playful and trusting. He does not appear to a feral kitten; possessing an affectionate and gentle nature that suggests he once had a home before he was abandoned to fend for himself.
Cream Soda’s battle is far from over. A gift to our Help Me Heal program will help us give Cream Soda the specialized wound care, ongoing evaluations and critical medical support he needs to fight for his future. Please donate today and help Cream Soda heal and thrive.