This past Sunday, when most of us were enjoying a day of rest, Ashlyn, our dedicated Lead Veterinary Assistant, was spending time at a partner shelter, helping feral cats get the resources they need. That’s when the staff there introduced her to Freya.
Freya was just six months old, a tiny black kitten with a life-or-death deadline. That very day was her final hold date, the date she needed to find someone to rescue her before being euthanized in the overcrowded shelter.
Ashlyn immediately saw that something was very wrong. Freya had a massive bulge on her side. Ashlyn knew it was a possible hernia. She quickly sent photos and medical records to our Medical Director, Dr. Kutner, who knew right away this was serious. The question wasn’t just should we help, but could we?
A Complex, Lifesaving Surgery
Once Freya arrived at SAFE Haven, it became clear just how urgent her condition was. Some of her organs were protruding through her abdominal wall. Without surgery, her organs could have become entrapped, cutting off blood flow, leading to sepsis or even sudden death.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF FREYA'S SURGERY – WARNING: THESE ARE GRAPHIC PHOTOS AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE.
-
- Freya’s tummy shows the bulge of her hernia and organs.
-
- This view shows how the bladder is adhered to Freya’s body.
-
- The hernia is so thin, it’s almost transparent.
-
- During the procedure, Dr. Kutner educates the vet assistants on what she’s doing.
-
- Dr. Kutner shows off the finished repair.
Imaging confirmed what we feared: both her small and large intestines, along with her bladder, had slipped into the hernia and were sitting just under her skin. It was painful, dangerous, and life-threatening.
Our medical team quickly prepared for a surgery unlike any they had ever seen. In fact, in more than 20 years of veterinary medicine, Dr. Kutner had never encountered a case quite like Freya’s. Once in surgery, our team determined that, thankfully, this issue wasn’t caused by trauma or abuse, but was something Freya had been born with. She had been born with gaps in her linea, the lining in her body that stabilizes her core to keep everything in place. These gaps had resulted in a massive hernia, and her bladder had adhered to her body wall.
The surgery was complex, six times longer than our typical surgery. Our skilled team worked to carefully detach her bladder from her body wall and get it and her other organs back where they belonged, then repair the hernia that stretched over half her tiny body.
The good news? Freya survived.
Recovery and Hope
Freya is now recovering in the loving care of our Clinic Services Manager, Brandi. While she still faces risks and possible long-term complications, this little fighter finally has a chance at life.
But lifesaving care like this comes at a cost. Between her diagnostic imaging, the specialized surgery, and her ongoing recovery, Freya’s care will be more than $7,500.
You Can Help Cats Like Freya
When SAFE Haven says “yes” to a cat, it’s because of you. Your generosity makes it possible for us to take on the tough cases. These are the cats others may have to turn away due to a lack of resources. Without you, Freya would not be here today.
Will you help us cover the cost of Freya’s care so we can continue saying “yes” to cats like her?
Every gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that no cat is beyond hope. Thank you for standing with Freya and with SAFE Haven.
