Corbin's Loung Journey

On the night he arrived, we continually checked his vital signs to see if he was still with us as he struggled to fight off hypothermia and the severe infection to which he had appeared to succumb. His front right left leg was de-gloved (torn away) up to his chest, possibly from being attached. The infection he was fighting was from this wound. He was gravely dehydrated and emaciated, without even the energy to lift his head to take in the food and water his body so badly needed. Ulcers had formed in his mouth making it painful for him to swallow, even when we attempted to syringe feed him a nutritious gruel.

His severe anemia was an even more imminent concern to Corbin's survival. Initial diagnostic blood tests revealed his body was producing few precious red blood cells and those that were being formed were misshapen and not able to do their job of providing oxygen to his organs, fighting infection, and removing wastes and toxins. We decided a blood transfusion would be the only chance this poor boy might have.

His blood transfusion proceeded a little differently than usual. Normally the patient is sedated so that he doesn't feel pain and is able to remain still during the procedure. Corbin was in sich bad shape that sedation wasn't needed. His arm was shaved, disinfected, and a small about of blood was taken in order to check the antibodies for type. An IV catheter was placed inside the vein and the transfusion began. For the hour and a half long procedure, Corbin didn't move.

Even after his blood transfusion, Corbin was far from out of the woods. He received intensive care from WRR staff as he was maintained on fluids, IV antibiotics, GI protectants (medication that coats the intestines), pain medicine, and wound care.

There were nights we cried for the suffering that Corbin had endured before coming to WRR and we asked him whether he was ready for us to help him let go. At times, Corbin's spirit seemed stronger than his body, but he never once told us he was ready to stop fighting. So we continued to fight with him.

Today COrbin barely resembles the cat who came in 3 week ago. He has gained almost 5 pounds and is filling out into a gorgeous cat with a personality to match! He meows from his room when he isn't receiving the attention he deserves (or when he's talking to his new girlfriend Phoebe across the hall) and gets his motor going when he gets chin rubs or back scratches. He is currently off all medical treatments besides minimal wound care. As we continue to watch his daily improvements, he serves as a true reminder of the power of an animal's spirit.

Corbin has one more surgery left to undergo--being neutered. After he heals, he will be ready for adoption.