“Huge thanks to Dr. Gerding and 4th year veterinary student, Sarah, for their excellent care of Russell. We are so appreciative for their help.”
Photos and captions via Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care at Facebook
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Russell is a burned kitty on the mend following a fire at his home, and his healing journey has attracted thousands of well-wishers.
Russell was severely burned when his family’s home was damaged by a fire on January 12 of this year. He was presumed dead but turned up at the site of the fire a few days later.
He was rushed to Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the dedicated and compassionate medical staff committed themselves to his recovery. He remains in care there and has come a long way in his healing. Russell’s vets announced a month ago that he had made great progress and was nearly free of bandages. Skin grafts to his legs took and healed well. His caregivers said at that time: “Russell is continuing to make great progress and continues to be the sweetest patient there is!”
Russell has reached yet another milestone in his healing and his doctors have begun to address the area surrounding his eyes.
Russell’s had his eyes reevaluated by Dr. Gerding, an ophthalmologist at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Health Complex, on June 24 and it was decided that he was finally ready for the first of two surgeries to help with the his eyes.
Russell had his surgery on Friday, June 27. The surgery went well, and he will have the second procedure at a later date.
Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care wrote about the procedure at Facebook on June 28, saying:
“Russell is looking great! The surgery performed by the ophthalmologists is called a lateral canthoplasty. A small incision was made to extend Russell’s eyelid margin to help him close his eyes all the way. This procedure also helps to relieve the tension on Russell’s eyelids, which were being pulled upward as the skin above his eyes healed and stretched. A second surgery will take place in 3-4 weeks to reconstruct the eyelids, the tension will need to alleviate and the skin to heal a little more during that time. Step one of this procedure went very well and we’re thrilled with how much better Russell looks and feels already. We are so thankful for everyone at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Health Complex for their expertise!”
Russell’s medical care has been paid for by donations from animal lovers across the US and beyond. His family, who lost everything in the fire, greatly appreciates the love and material support shown to their beloved cat. Russell is expected to rejoin his family after he is more completely recovered from his injuries.
You can see more, and follow future updates, at Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care’s Facebook page.
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Watch the sweet video with Russell and some gifts for him and other kitties at the vet’s that were sent by a friend:
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