Aurora's CT Scan & Surgery



*As of 3/9/17: all donations are going directly to Aurora through me (Joy) now that Aurora is adopted (donations are not going to Angel of Hope Rescue). However, if we raise any extra funds, we will donate them back to her rescue.*

We added a pregnant foster cat, who we named Minne (short for Minnesota), to our home in mid-September from Angel of Hope Animal Rescue. Minne introduced us to her six beautiful kittens on September 28, 2016, and they all received Minnesota-themed names: Puck, Summit, Babe, Timber, Cheerio, and Aurora.

Meet Aurora:
Aurora was born with a severe jaw deformity, cleft palate, and a missing eye. She is unable to open her mouth due to a fused right side, so we have been tube feeding her since day one. We started with every 2 hours and are now feeding every 3-4 hours, but she still struggles to gain weight. Aurora is now 5 months old and almost 3 lbs - just a peanut! She is on a special canned food diet that meets the nutritional needs of kittens. We blend it with a small amount of water in order to get it through her feeding tube.

We had dental x-rays done, and they were reviewed by a boarded dental specialist. The x-rays came back inconclusive due to the unavoidable overlap of structures, like her jaw bones and teeth. She had her CT scan (thanks to all of your generous donations and shares - THANK YOU!), which showed us exactly what's going on with her fused bones and cleft palate. 

Her next step is surgery at the University of Minnesota, where they will remove part of her jaw so she can begin to build up the muscles on her left and hopefully begin to eat on her own. They will also fix her cleft palate and close up her missing eye.

Aurora had difficulties coming out of anesthesia normally for her dental x-rays, but she will be monitored closely for her surgery and recovery by the awesome anesthesia department at the University of Minnesota.

This kitten is so full of life, love, and spirit. She plays, cuddles, and purrs like a normal kitten. She thrives off the strong bonds she has with her humans. Aurora deserves every chance we can give her.

Where does our $2000 goal come from?
- CT scan: $1100
- Monitoring and care during and after CT scan, canned food: ~$600
- Dental x-ray appointment: $300

UPDATED GOAL OF $6000:
- Estimate for surgery is $4000

As of 3/9/2017, Aurora has been officially adopted by me (Joy)! If we receive any funds over and above the costs of surgery, they will be donated back to her rescue.

Even if you are unable to donate monetarily, please share Aurora's story with your friends and loved ones. We sincerely appreciate all of your help!