Subsidy For Pelvic-Fractured Cat (Doreen Yam�s)

Sometime last year, our vet told me about this one case of a rescued cat from a factory, possibly needing a diaphragmatic hernia surgery. Our vet asked if we had the funds to help out.

I said I would need to speak with the rescuer and yes, we can contribute a subsidy.

I visited the cat once at the clinic, and the vet said he preferred to observe the cat for a little while more before going in for the surgery.

I did not hear from the rescuer at all….until last week when I found a subsidy form in my postbox with a receipt. On the form was the name “Doreen Yam” and her details.

So I called, texted and wrote to Doreen Yam to ask what this claim was all about, not knowing it is the same factory cat, suspected of needing surgery for diaphragmatic hernia.

I could not reach Doreen, so since the receipt had the clinic’s name, I called the vet to seek further details.

The vet said this was the same cat he had told me about last year. No surgery had been done because the cat did not have diaphragmatic hernia. It was more of a pelvic fracture, judging from the X-Ray, even though initially the cat had some breathing difficulties.

Is the cat okay now, I asked. Apparently so. The rescuer had already taken back the cat. Surgery for correct the pelvic is an option. If not done, the cat can probably carry on with a compromised gait.

When I finally heard from Doreen Yam, I explained to her that we would appreciate if our procedures are followed. Every claim is preceded by a photograph and write-up and an application for the subsidy. One cannot simply put a claim form and receipt into my postbox – that is the second step, not the first.

This write-up from Doreen finally reached my mailbox after two more days:

This cat was found in my office (factory) car park lot located at
Jalan Kebun, Klang. I saw that it was limping badly; the cat was
basically dragging her entire leg to walk. I then brought her to
the clinic to seek for medical aid.
Subsequent to the vet’s initial examination, the cat was suspected
having diaphragm hernia and a left pelvic bone dislocation which may
be due to a car accident. I suggested to put the cat to sleep due to
its condition and cost needed for the surgery. However, the vet
examined and said that the cat seemed healthy even though with severe
medical conditions. He then introduced me to your organization. I
placed the cat at the clinic as the vet told me he was going to
inspect the cat and will perform the surgery after outlining the cost
to me. But due to it was New Year and that the vet was very busy, the
surgery was not carried out and I then brought the cat back home. That
waiting period resulted in the cat’s overstaying duration. Hope you
can take all aspects into consideration.
Many thanks for your time and generous support in aiding needy animals.
Thanks.

Regards,
Doreen

Don’t you think the cat looks just fine?

I was a little concerned after reading Doreen’s email about her initial intention of having the cat euthanised, so I wrote back for more confirmation. This is donors’ money that we have been entrusted with, I need more information before I disburse funds.

And Doreen replied:

After more than a month of cage rest and adequate supply of food and
proper care to the cat, she is now looking much better than she first
was. And because Dr Khor has mentioned that the medical conditions
that she is having are not life threatening, a surgery will not be
necessary. Hence, the case ends here and there will be no need for
follow ups.

Following are the answers to your questions:

>I have successfully rehome the cat and she is now with my colleague.

>Yes, I understand that your organization does not support euthanasia of animals. Need not worry as I will not be putting this cat down as she now has a owner with proper care given to her.

Based on my conversation with the vet and Doreen’s emails, we have decided to cover only half the boarding duration (9 days instead of 18 days). Extended boarding is one of the things we strongly discourage as being in the clinic environment is not healthy and can even be hazardous for any animal. When and if boarding is not necessary, it is advisable for the rescuer to take the animal home or get it fostered in an environment where there are no sick animals.

As such, our subsidy for this case is RM101 (it covers 50% for the consultation, X-Ray, anaesthesia and 9 days of boarding for recuperation).

This is also a case where not rushing into surgery appears to have paid off although it was more of a case where the vet delayed because he had no time!

In our experience, sometimes vets do advise to wait-and-see and let the animal stabilise. This may well turn out to be a wise move, in certain cases.

We hope the cat will now have a good life in its new home.

Source: http://myanimalcare.org/2012/02/05/subsidy-for-pelvic-fractured-cat-doreen-yams/

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AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

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