By TerrieLynn Bach
Last month, we left you on a cliffhanger: Kevin was just going into surgery for his Pythium insidiosum, an aquatic fungus-like pathogen that causes granulomatous disease, commonly called “swamp cancer.” In Kevin, this was causing a swollen and infected back end.
Kevin did have surgery on January 24, and the vet was able to remove all visible affected tissue! But… they had to amputate his tail.
In the days following his surgery, it was obvious that Kevin was feeling much better. He began playing more, and he was more willing to engage with us. He would even ask for belly rubs and give us head boops!
Unfortunately, there was the concern that the pythiosis would return. That poor Kevin would be lethargic and not feeling up to playing and loving on us– and worst of all– would be in pain.
About a week ago, Kevin started having some swelling on the top of his tail stubby. Dr. Smith saw him on Monday, February 20th. She told us the necrotic tissue has come back on the top of his tail stubby. Her recommendation: remove this tissue asap.
The good news, today, is that the underside of his tail area has healthy new tissue. AND Kevin is using his litter box faithfully! He continues to show no signs of incontinence, which was a major concern before his first surgery.
Kevin is still a bright, happy, playful kitty who loves pets and catnip. He has even grown some during the time we have had him.
Dr. Smith recommended the second surgery, with the hope this time it won’t reoccur.
Bastrop C.A.T.S. has decided to give Kevin another chance to kick this pythiosis to the curb!
We hope you all agree with us and support that choice for Kevin with donations to help cover his vet bills. Please donate –and ask friends and family to donate too. Every $5 you can contribute gets us $5 closer to get this relief for Kevin. You can donate on Venmo, Square, or Paypal.
Thank you all! It’s only with community support that we can help cats like Kevin!
Keep up with the Kevin Chronicles on our Facebook page.
Yay Kevin!!!