A Russell update: Russell is continuing to do well! He had an evaluation last week with an ophthalmologist and his second surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, August 15th. This procedure will hopefully be correcting Russell’s eyelids. Russell is getting a little extra love from Tiffany before the big day. We’ll keep everyone posted as we know more. Keep Russell in your thoughts tomorrow!”
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Thousands of animal lovers have followed Russell on his healing journey after he was severely burned in a fire at his family’s home earlier this year.
A new video posted this week with Russell, the burn survivor kitty recuperating at Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, marks another milestone in the sweet survivor’s recovery. Now that he is largely healed from his burns, his caregivers have been able to address the areas around his eyes.
Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care said on August 17 , in their introduction to Megan Maus’s video at Facebook:
“We know everyone has been waiting for an update on Russell’s surgery! He had to stay a little longer this time at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Health Complex. His surgery was a success! A procedure was done to reconstruct the tissue around Russell’s eyes, relieving more tension and correcting his inverted eyelids. Russell’s doctors are extremely pleased with the results! Only one side can be done at a time, so Russell will need to go back at a later date to have the same procedure to his right eye. At the moment the area is swollen, but Russell is already healing well from the surgery and his attitude is as happy and loving as ever. We are so proud of this boy and very thankful to the specialists at NC State’s Veterinary School. This brave little man is one step closer to a complete recovery from his devastating injuries! Thank you all for your continued support!”
Russell had his first eye surgery on June 27. You can read more about that in our post of July 4, Russell Improves and Receives Some Gifts.
For those unfamiliar with Russell and his story:
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, 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 about two months 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 reached another important milestone in his healing when his doctors decided they could address the area surrounding his eyes, which one notices right away upon seeing his photos.
Russell’s medical care has been paid for by donations from animal lovers, and he will return to his family once he is fully healed. Russell’s family lost everything in the fire except for their beloved cat, and they are grateful to everyone who has helped.
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Watch the new video:
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A Russell update: Russell is continuing to do well! He had an evaluation last week with an ophthalmologist and his second surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, August 15th. This procedure will hopefully be correcting Russell’s eyelids. Russell is getting a little extra love from Tiffany before the big day. We’ll keep everyone posted as we know more. Keep Russell in your thoughts tomorrow!”
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You can see more, and follow future updates, at Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care’s Facebook page.
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See also (listed in order from the earliest post):
Russell: Cat Burned in House Fire Gets Help
Russell Burned Kitty Improves
Russell the Burn Survivor’s Wonderful Update
Russell Burn Survivor Plays!
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Get Well sweetie!!!!! You are very loved by many people!!