Otis has a congenital (present since birth) malformationof his heart called cor triatriatum sinister. In this disease, an extra membrane in the left atrium of the heart impairs blood flow in the heart and can cause heart failure at a young age. This can also cause pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the vessels of the heart), which can make his heart disease/heart failure worse. Although he currently shows no external signs of heart failure, this is typical in cats with these conditons; they typically remain a symptomatic until they enter heart failure. If left untreated, Otis's heart will become unable to compensate for its abnormality, causing congestive heart failure, or fluid buildup in his lungs. This fluid in his lungs makes it hard for him to breathe, causing him to breathe harder and faster, have exercise intolerance, and ultimately will severely limit his life span. For cats that develop congestive heart failure from this malformaof the heart, their lifespans are usually a few weeks to a few months after first diagnosis of heart failure. Cats with cor triatriatum sinister typically start to develop signs of congestive heart failure around 1 to 3 years of age.

A team of specialist at Tuft's Animal Hospital in Boston are going to try going into Otis's heart and opening up this membrane in order to increase bloodflow. This is very complicated and risky surgery. It is also Otis's only chance to live a long and healthy life.

Cat Crusaders of Franklin County was established to be a TNR program. They have through the years become so much more. Their goal is not only reducing the amount of unwanted litters and disease through TNR but caring for the cats and kittens they come in contact with. I am constantly being told what a hero I/we are and how wonderful it is for all I/we do for the feline population here in Vermont. I am asking you to put your money where you mouth is and donate 5.00 to help offset the cost of this $8k surgery. Otis is scheduled for this Thursday 6/29. Please pray with me that he sees 6/30. In order for us to continue to be heros in the cat world, we need your support!

Thank you,

Otis & all who care for him