“When we examined them on intake, we saw that all three kittens suffered from eyelid agenesis, which is a failure of the upper eyelid to form,” explained Senior Veterinarian Dr. Gerard Laheney. “Without repair, their eyelashes rub directly against the cornea. That causes chronic corneal ulcers, which are extremely painful. With surgery, however, these kittens can go on to live completely normal lives.”

Once the kittens are bigger — around six months of age — they will undergo a delicate reconstructive procedure, performed by Chief of Veterinary Staff Dr. Mark Verdino. “It’s a transposition surgery,” Dr. Laheney explained. “A small portion of the kitten’s lip is carefully grafted and formed into a new upper eyelid. If successful, it actually creates a functional eyelid that protects the eye and prevents future infections.”

Please support our Help Me Heal Program so more animals, like Asher, Lexi and Bootsie can receive the compassionate care they urgently need.

Sadly for Lexi, her left eye was already too severely damaged and needs to be removed. But even with one eye, she can live a full, happy life, just like her littermates. Before any surgeries can happen, however, these kittens must grow a little older, and do so safely. “All we can do at this stage is apply medicated ointments to lubricate their eyes and reduce irritation,” said Dr. Laheney. For the next several months, foster care will be essential. A home environment allows them to grow, reduces stress, and protects them from picking up any new infections.

As the new year begins, Asher, Lexi and Bootsie are counting on compassionate friends like you to help them through months of specialized care, foster placement, medication, and eventual reconstructive surgery.

Through the support of our Help Me Heal Program these kittens won’t grow up in pain. Please give today to this vital program and help Asher, Lexi and Bootsie to see a brighter tomorrow.