Rudy’s Story: A Community Cat’s Second Chance

Picture this: a fluffy Siamese cat seeks shelter in the brush from the unforgiving Southern Utah heat. He has a collar wrapped around one shoulder, deeply embedded in the pit of his arm. He’s scared, in pain, and helpless to remove the offending apparatus, but Rudy’s story is about to change.

A Community Cat in Dire Need

Luckily for the poor kitty, a local caregiver of community cats noticed the predicament he was in. They reported what they’d found to Kris Neal of One More Chance Rescue in St. George. Under Kris’s direction, the injured Siamese became a top priority to humanely trap for medical care.

Caregivers were able to trap Rudy after a few days of attempts. He was then transported to the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George clinic for assessment. Rudy had a severely infected wound, which needed to be partially closed at the top in order to begin the healing process. Following an initial course of antibiotics, St. George clinic medical director Dr. Katie Gray attempted to fully close the laceration, but infection recurred.

Rudy’s story of recovery was shaping up to be anything but straightforward. However, Kris and the St. George team were determined to nurse him back to health.

Trying Another Technique

In Kris’s care, Rudy’s personality was beginning to shine. Despite spending several months or longer away from humans, he proved to be a very friendly cat with a loud purr, which he generously shared. Throughout all of his bandage changes and appointments, Rudy remained a sweetheart.

Dr. Gray performed a culture on Rudy’s wound to see if his infection had cleared. The result came back negative. She then executed an advancement flap surgery. This involves elevating a flap of tissue and its existing blood supply over a point of trauma to expedite healing. Rudy’s team was hopeful that this procedure would speed up his recovery time, but sadly, Rudy wasn’t out of the woods just yet.

Rudy’s Story Complicates Further

Despite prescribing another course of a different antibiotic, Rudy’s advancement flap also became infected. Dr. Gray repeated the culture and discovered a multi-drug resistant infection. She decided on a staged approach to healing, including a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Rudy’s recovery plan also called for daily bandage changes, which he took in stride.

Finally, Rudy’s wound was clear of infection and clean enough to fully close. After five surgeries, several antibiotics, and round-the-clock care, Rudy’s story would have a happy ending.

One More Chance for Rudy

Throughout his entire recovery process, Rudy remained a gentle and cooperative patient. He allowed daily care without sedation and endured countless trips to the vet.

Today, Rudy remains in Kris’s care. She reports that he is as sweet as ever and has gained a healthy amount of weight! Not only is Rudy friendly with humans, but he has fit right in with the other kitties Kris looks after.

Rudy’s story wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing community. Consider making a difference for a pet in need today by donating at UtahHumane.org/Donate.