Cornelius The Kitten

Cornelius is just one of hundreds of kittens the Abbotsford SPCA cares for each year! Cornelius is a special case as this little guy has already used up some his nine lives. We believe he was hit by a car and was left on the side of the road. He has been with us in foster since he was 2.5 months old (Nov 2012). We fostered him so he could get bigger and have a better chance of surviving surgery. 

In January 2013 on a follow up visit to Abbotsford Veterinary Hospital, x-rays showed that both of his hips and pelvis were damaged. In February 2013 Dr. Taylor of Abbotsford Veterinary preformed a double hip excision, where the ball part of the hip joints were removed. We continue to foster him as he recovers.

At the end of February after his stitches came out, Cornelius started aqua therapy at K9H2O in Abbotsford with Kendall DeMenech. While swimming isn't generally enjoyed by cats, it is a very good way to get him moving his joints properly and to build up muscle in his hips. Cornelius has taken to the water therapy very well. Kendall eased him into the water on his first session, and from then on he has been making the choice to get in the water himself. While he doesn't love swimming, he is able to tolerate it and stay calm throughout the process.

In March he had his final follow up visit with Dr. Taylor. He is recovering very well and already has built up some muscle on his hips. In our home, he is able to be a kitten again. He is running, jumping, and playing more than ever – He is even able to keep up with our cats Seamus and Rosie. For now he will stay with us, and continue to go to K9H2O to get as strong as possible before going to his forever home.