WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES
On September 23, Lucy, a nine-week-old kitten, along with her seven siblings, an accidental litter, were surrendered to the BC SPCA from a property in Victoria after their owner became overwhelmed by the number of animals in their care.
“All the kittens were infected with the feline herpesvirus and coccidia parasite, but Lucy’s case was the most severe,” says Emma Hamill, manager of the BC SPCA Victoria animal centre. “One of Lucy’s eyes was seriously impacted by the virus. There was concern that if the treatment wasn’t successful, she may require surgery to remove the eye.”
Hamill adds Lucy was brought to a veterinary clinic and is being treated with oral parasite control, antiviral medication, and antibiotics, as well as eye drops. “She is being closely monitored so we can see how her eye is responding to the treatment,” says Hamill. “Thankfully, at her most recent follow-up appointment at the veterinary clinic, they were happy with her progress and at this time, they do not believe she will need surgery to remove her eye.”
Lucy is not fighting this battle alone. “She is in quarantine with her two siblings Piper and Rich who are all getting the same treatment,” says Hamill. “Piper’s eye is almost as bad as Lucy’s. Rich is the healthiest of the three.” The other siblings are in isolation in another part of the animal centre. “They are not as ill as these three little kittens.”
Hamill says the three kittens spend nearly all their time curled up together. “As Lucy gets better, she is beginning to softly play with her siblings,” says Hamill. They also enjoy being around people. “Whenever someone walks into the room, they all calmly approach them for pets and are very tolerant of their treatment,” she says. “They will call out to staff when they hear them outside the room where they are being quarantined.”
Hamill says as the kittens are starting to feel better their personalities are really starting to shine, especially Lucy. “She has been such a brave little kitten, tolerating all her treatments,” says Hamill. “We all want the best for her and her siblings.”
When Petsecure Pet Health Insurance* learned about the kittens’ story, the company generously offered to match all medical donations up to $3,000 to help with their care and other animals who need urgent medical help.
*Supported by a grant from Definity Financial Corporation, Petline Insurance Company.