Cola, as named by BC SPCA staff, is an eleven-week-old kitten who was found on the side of a rural road in Montney, approximately 24 kilometres north of Fort St. John. Her leg was degloved, meaning that the skin and the tissue on her leg were removed. Her kind finders rushed her to a veterinary clinic, who contacted the BC SPCA’s North Peace animal centre in Fort St. John.
“We were happy to take Cola into our care and cover the costs of her treatment,” says Sara Hamanishi, manager of the BC SPCA’s North Peace animal centre. Cola needed to stay overnight in the veterinary clinic where she was given fluids, pain medication and her leg was x-rayed.
After examining Cola, the veterinarian determined that she had no nerve function in her leg and will require amputation surgery. “Her leg was bandaged, and she was put on kennel rest until she can have the surgery,” adds Hamanishi. “She needs frequent bandage changes here at the animal centre to help keep her leg from getting infected.”
Hamanishi says that they don’t know exactly how Cola was injured but degloving can often occur when a cat is hit by a car or is attacked by an animal.
“Cola is a delightful kitten with a sweet and snuggly personality who loves cuddling,” says Hamanishi. “She is playful and spirited and enjoys her toys.”
She says Cola is remarkably tolerant during bandage changes, highlighting her trusting nature and her resilience and cheerful disposition make her an inspiration to everyone around her. “She is such a little fighter with the strongest spirit. She is up for any challenge she faces.”