Misty's Second Chance: Mend Her Broken Jaw

On Friday, April 26, a kitten showed up on our Buffalo porch. Her jaw was badly broken, she was drooling, and meowing incessantly. She was all bones. I knew she needed emergency help or she was going to die.

My wife and I rushed the kitten to Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center where they confirmed what was painfully obvious: the kitten has a mandibular fracture. She was also diagnosed with a fever. She was prescribed antibiotics to treat a suspected infection, and gabapentin for pain relief. It was at the hospital that we decided to adopt her. We named her Misty.

Misty was referred to Town & Country Animal Clinic for a consultation to mend her broken jaw. After the consultation with the dental surgeon, the verdict is clear: Misty needs surgery.

Misty's determination to survive, despite her pain, has touched me deeply. She's faced so much in her short little life. Now, as she faces surgery, I'm reaching out for support. Every donation, no matter how small, will bring Misty one step closer to the relief she desperately needs. Without the surgery, she faces the risk of a malunion which will cause her pain, and difficulty eating, and trouble breathing for the rest of her life.

Misty's resilience in the face of adversity is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit. With your help, we can give Misty a second chance at life. Please, consider donating to Misty's cause today. Your contribution will change her life forever.

UPDATE (4/28/24):

The consistent food and water appears to be uplifting Misty's spirit. We are thankful to God for that.

UPDATE (4/30/2024):

Misty now weighs 7.2 pounds! That's a 44% improvement in her weight since Friday. Per doctors orders, we are continuing to provide her with meat pate and other very soft foods so that minimal biting/chewing is required.

UPDATE (5/1/24):

My wife and I are so touched by the outpouring of love, emotional, and monetary support you all have provided us during this incredibly challenging time. We are 8 hours away from surgery. Surgery is set for Thursday, at 7:30 am. We have full faith in the doctor performing the surgery. Please follow Misty’s progress in the coming hours on her TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@mistys.second.cha?_t=8m0FQrG0fjr&_r=1

Again, thank you all for the love and support! ❤️ Please pray for Misty.

UPDATE (5/2/24):

Misty was admitted into the surgery center at 7:45 this morning. Denise at Town & Country Animal Dental Center of WNY was very kind, and reassuring. I know my baby is in good hands. The doctor will likely finish surgery by mid-afternoon. I am cleaning the apartment, and getting her food ready because I know she will be so hungry out of surgery! She had to fast for surgery to avoid aspirating stomach contents while anesthetized. I will post another update when Misty comes out of surgery.

Thank you friends, family, loved ones, and supporters for your kind words, donations, and love. Forever indebted, always grateful.

UPDATE 5/3/24:

It has been a busy time in our household! I have been hand feeding Misty due to her medical cone and the difficulty associated with eating with it on. After every feeding, I have to clean her medical cone with baby wipes. My wife actually found an ingenious method to feed Misty with a soft, plastic, 1/3 cup measuring spoon. This reduces spillage (although not entirely) and ensures Misty can comfortably lap up her soupy chicken pates we’ve been handcrafting for her (she’s eats better than I do! )

She has experienced post-surgical pain. The first night was very difficult for her. The feeding process was slow, painful, messy, and inconsistent. She would randomly retract back from her food, and proceed to silently walk backwards in circles. In those moments, I knew she was in the grips of pain. However, the doctor said it was important to feed her, and her food is the vehicle by which she consumes her medicine. Therefore, it was (and still very much is) my absolutely priority that Misty eat as much as she likes, gets as much sleep as she wants, and consumes all of her prescribed medications.

An update on Misty’s weight: Misty came into our lives at approximately 5 pounds. The doctors have agreed on a target of eight (8) pounds. Happily I report, she came into surgery—fasted mind you—at seven (7) pounds! So, being a week under our care, she has gained two (2) pounds. At this rate, she will be at a healthy weight in no time.

UPDATE 5/9/24:

Misty is healing. She has such a big appetite--eating her entire portion every single meal. This has helped speed up her recovery, and has kept her weight up. We have a follow up with her dental surgeon in approximately one (1) week. Misty will have another procedure done to finalize the jaw surgery. Misty will be anesthetized for this follow up procedure.

Of course, her recovery has not only been positive as there have been hard times, too. Misty has bled from her mouth stitches twice after a meal. Although it was only a little bit, she was in a bit of pain. Nonetheless, we gave Misty her pain medication, as prescribed, to alleviate her symptoms during the difficult times.

Keep her in your prayers! Thank you for all the kind support, love, and generosity. The Diaz and the Ashraf family thank you.