by John Bennett
We have done this procedure thousands of times. It is so common, I never really think much about it. Sure, it is surgery, and with that there can be complications -- but really, it is a safe, routine, and an expected responsible action to take for your pet's well-being. Except this time.
Bailey was a sweet little kitten about 4 months old. Normal in every way, and so playful and loving; older even than most cats we generally spay or neuter. Unfortunately, this time was anything but routine.
As Bailey went under anesthesia, she died. Really, there is no other term for it. She had a reaction to the anesthetic; her heart stopped; and she died. Katie, a veterinary technician who prepped her for surgery, was not going to leave it at that. She worked on the little girl for 30 minutes, not willing to give up and let this wonderful kitten go. It must have felt hopeless. How long to keep oxygen circulating and blood flowing? Should I quit now? Then... what is that? Is that a heartbeat? Yes, she is back.
Yes, Bailey was back, but at what cost? She had been unresponsive for 30 minutes. Did she get enough oxygen to her brain, or will she have damage? I was contacted shortly after the ordeal and given a status and prognosis on Bailey's condition. By the time I visited Bailey she was breathing on her own, but had no mobility in her hind legs and seemed to be paralyzed. She also had no appetite for food. It was a Friday, and I knew I would be able to spend time with her, and force-feed her if needed, so I gave Bailey the weekend to see if she would recover.
Cats, in general, have amazing healing ability, and Bailey seemed to be no different. After her near-death experience she clung to life. Each day of recovery was an improvement, from an increased appetite to improved leg mobility. Finally, within a week, she was walking on her own and eating with a healthy gusto.
It was then that I realized Bailey was blind. As her mobility increased, I let her out of her cage to explore a confined area. She was very cautious and seemed to sniff her way around. After some quick tests it was evident she could not see.
I have seen a few cats and kittens who have lost their eyesight and have led normal, healthy lives, so I accepted her condition and vowed she would find a wonderful home once she completed recovery. My wife, Janet, and I cared for Bailey for weeks on end. She had the most wonderful personality, and even without eyesight began to have more and more confidence around the home, playing with other cats and even toys. She was just amazing to watch, and she wanted to eat anything that smelled good -- which, in her case, was everything, including whatever we were having for dinner. Yes, Bailey became a beggar for food as well. She was just too cute to refuse, but we tried as best we could. The veterinary staff was very excited about her recovery, and we had any number of potential homes for her when she was ready to be adopted. I was in no hurry to place her, as I was getting very attached to her, and my wife was really bonding with her as well.
It was one evening during playtime that I noticed a change in Bailey. She seemed more confident in moving around the house. I was sure her eyesight was coming back, but was told she was probably just developing more of her other senses. This, I knew, would happen in cases where an animal lost partial or total eyesight.
Still, I was not convinced. Something else was happening. I watched her and played with her daily, and at times I swear she could almost see me -- but it was hard to say. Maybe she smells me; maybe she senses the air movement when I wave my fingers in front of her.
Then, one evening, Bailey was playing with another cat and really running wild. I could not believe a blind cat could be so confident of her surroundings. Then I watched her run right past my feet and dart between a chair and table leg with only inches to spare. Now, no way could a blind kitten do that and not run into something. I immediately caught up with Bailey (no easy task at this point), and did some quick tests. Yes, there was something going on. Her eyesight was returning. Maybe not completely, but she could see movement and follow fingers or toys in the air. "This is just amazing," I thought. After so many weeks, Bailey had almost fully recovered. I was so excited, and my wife was equally ecstatic.
We spent another month with Bailey, watching her improve each day, until it was clear that her eyesight was fully recovered. She was just like any other kitten at her age; maybe a bit petite, but very healthy in every way.
BAILEY (RIGHT) WITH A FRIEND
After much consideration, we decided to try and spay Bailey again. This time an anesthesiologist was available during a training day at our veterinary hospital, and Bailey was scheduled for surgery the same day.
I am happy to say that she went through surgery without issue, and again made a full recovery. Bailey was eventually adopted by Katie, the veterinary technician who literally saved her life. Bailey's first day in her new home was as if she had always lived there. She easily fits in with any cat, and seems to adapt well to all new experiences. Maybe it was the close call with death that gives her the carefree attitude. Who knows? I do know that Bailey, now known as Miss Meere, will always be special to those who have known her. 