Fiona’s Facebook Friends
ARTICLE BY: Frith Williams, Ten Lives
When Fiona was surrendered to us on the 10th of December 2020 she had a severely deformed ear and thickening of the ear resulting in secondary infection all the way down to her ear drum.
On clinical examination it was realised she would need surgery to correct the problem and this could only be done with particular equipment and a veterinarian skilled in this procedure.
We contacted our friends at Hobart Community Veterinary Hospital and Dr Stumm agreed to perform the TECA-BO procedure. The term TECABO is an abbreviation for Total Ear Canal Ablation and Bulla Osteotomy. This surgery involves the complete removal of the ear canal and tympanic bulla (middle ear), leaving only the ear flap (pinna) remaining. Fiona underwent surgery in January.
Despite the discomfort of her condition, Fiona is one of the most affectionate cats the vet team have ever met!
Conducting a crowdfund on Facebook to cover the cost of Fiona’s surgery, we raised the $1500 thanks to our amazing supporters!
The procedure went well and Fiona recovered in foster care. Her foster carer said: “She’s a brave little thing and the lovely vet gushed over her friendly personality. She’s going to get adopted so quickly when she’s better!”
Before Fiona was ready for adoption, she also required a tooth to be extracted. Fiona had her dental on the 16th of February and went back to foster care.
When Fiona had fully recovered, she became available for adoption on the 4th of March.
Fiona is the sweetest little kitty who loves a gentle pat while sitting on your knee. She is very affectionate and will also play with toys, she likes to use the cardboard scratching boards.
Fiona found her forever home with Mikayla (pictured below) on the 13th of March.
Veterinary treatments for the cats and kittens who come into our care is a significant part of Ten Lives’ budget, averaging around $10,000 each month. It’s where funding for our shelter is always greatly needed. As Tasmania’s largest dedicated cat shelter, we see some of the worst cases of abuse and neglect. By joining our V.E.T.S. Club you can help us be at the ready to treat these kitties who come to us in need of life saving care and treatments. Join the club today at tenlives.com.au/donate