Meet Lua ❤️ Lua’s just like any other 7-week-old kitten — she plays, she snuggles, she purrs, and she bites…everything 😆 The only difference is that she is unable to use her back legs and go to the bathroom on her own. But, as you can see from the videos, that doesn’t stop her from enjoying her kittenhood!
Let’s back up a bit though, so I can tell you her story. Several days ago, a good samaritan (@tofu.witch) found a tiny kitten outside who was dragging her back legs. The finder did everything they could to help, but the kitten’s needs transcended their resources. They reached out to me and I of course agreed to help. Who could say no to that face?!
Lua is exhibiting signs consistent with backend paralysis — inability to use her back legs, inability to fully urinate/defecate on her own, and muscle atrophy. That being said, I want to give her the opportunity to see if she can regain any function in her back legs. Either way, I’ll support her, but she deserves the chance to try anything and everything.
I’ll be honest: this is all new to me and I’m very much learning as I go. I couldn’t do ANY of this without the incredible support and guidance of my friend @dapperdanthediapurrman, who you *must* follow if you don’t already. Ashley, Dan’s mom, is an expert in paralyzed cats and has dedicated her life to helping special needs animals.
I know that it is going to be a challenging process to get Lua to where she needs to be, but I’m hoping you’ll help me get her there. Neurology, acupuncture, laser therapy, and other treatments aren’t cheap, but will be necessary on her road to recovery. Would you consider making a donation to help Lua and her legs? The link to her GoFundMe is in my bio, or you can donate via venmo: emilie-rackovan. Thank you so much for supporting Lua ❤️ @emiliexfosters said.
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I’ve fostered a lot of cute kittens in my day, but Lua is absolutely out of this world! 🌎✈️
In case you missed it: I took Lua in on Friday after she was found outside, dragging her back legs. She is experiencing hind end paralysis, but we don’t know if it’s congenital (born with it), or from an injury. It’s currently unknown if she’ll ever gain use of them, but I’ll be working hard to see if it’s a possibility.
Due to the paralysis, Lua is unable to go to the bathroom on her own, so I manually express her every 6 hours. It’s actually super easy and only takes a few minutes! I’ve been consulting with my wonderful friend @dapperdanthediapurrman and feel very confident in the plan we have in place. Lua will be getting acupuncture, cold laser therapy, physical therapy, and the ASSISI loop (another type of laser therapy).
Stay tuned for LOTS of updates on this special little lady ❤️ @emiliexfosters said.
Lua’s story ❤️ @emiliexfosters said.
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Little Lua had her first visit with Integrative Veterinary Service today and I’m so excited to work with them! We met with Dr. Aubrey, but everyone else came to say hi too — I mean, who *wouldn’t* want to meet Lua?? 😂
We’ll be starting weekly acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and physical therapy appointments next week to hopefully improve her mobility. We’re not sure if she’ll gain function in her back legs because they do appear to be quite atrophied from lack of use, but these therapies will help with other things like pain and inflammation too.
P.S. Lua had the BEST time playing in their cat room, as you can see in the second picture 😂🤣 @emiliexfosters said.
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Have you ever seen a cuter kitten in your life? No, or no? Lua is the real life version of the “🥹” emoji! @emiliexfosters said.
Lua update! ❤️ We’ve been doing a LOT of hard work and I’m so incredibly proud of her progress. While she is still unable to walk and go to the bathroom on her own, she’s starting to gain a bit of movement in those back legs. Here she is taking her first few steps with me assisting!
I’ll be doing a video later on her daily routine and her treatment plan, so stay tuned ✨ @emiliexfosters said.
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Trying to get a kitten to sit still and do their rehab is….interesting 🤣
Also, before anyone gives advice: I normally distract her with food! I just wanted to show how it goes without 😂 @emiliexfosters said.
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Reposting Lua’s story because I’ve had quite a few people ask me about her recently ❤️ I’ll be doing a video on her progress and treatment soon, so stay tuned! @emiliexfosters said.
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