Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Please contact info@petadoptionservices.org for more information about this pet. August 16, 2021 Journal Entry It's been a minute since our last Athena update, but the last 6 months have been mostly about letting the steroids work and Athena gaining weight. At her last visit a few months ago, the specialist gave instructions for Athena to be weaned off of steroids so that her cortisol levels could be re-tested. Also, her heart murmur has gone away, so it was a normal finding for her growth spurt back then. We should get her lab results back sometimes next week. Her physical exam still shows there is no obvious dilation of her esophagus, and Athena is now over 6 lbs. She has only spit up a few times over the past few months (no food), so she may just be drinking to much water or this may always have a little sensitivity of her trachea, which should not have an impact on her overall quality of life. December 23, 2020 Journal Entry Athena the parrot-cat found the perfect place on her foster mom’s shoulder to perch in the sun. The two were waiting yesterday for staff to come get Athena from the car for her vet appointment, as social distancing measures are still in place. So, here’s the skinny...Athena is not anymore! She is up to 3.5 lbs! Exciting news for a chickie who couldn't break 2 lbs for months! Athena started steroid therapy at her last visit a month ago when her doctor diagnosed low growth hormone. The hope was that this was an underlying cause of her megaesophagus. Well...drumroll and cautious optimism: Athena’ss xray yesterday did NOT show diffuse dilation of her esophagus. Plainspeak: things seem to have improved. Athena did have a heart murmur noted, but if it is still present when she returns in two months, it will have to be followed up with a cardiac ultrasound. But, for now, we invite you to celebrate the small victories with us, and keep the prayers an d good vibes coming! December 11, 2020 Journal Entry Athena is being treated with steroids and returns to the vet for a followup in a week. This may look like just another cute pile of kittens, but it represents so much more. This is the first time Athena has snuggled with other kittens at her foster mom’s house. These (white) kittens are also the same age as Athena (4-1/2 months) and although she is still smaller than them, she is finally catching up! November 7, 2020 Journal Entry This sweet girl came to us back in late August. From the start, she was ravenous when fed, and would vomit her food. At first, it was believed that she just needed to slow down her feedings, but soon it became obvious that there was something else wrong. Fast forward to the present, after an ER visit, multiple vet visits, and specialists, Athena has been diagnosed with Megaesophagus. Those of you familiar with this somewhat uncommon condition in kittens, knows this is not a great diagnosis. But, this plucky girl has touched the heart of everyone that has met her, including several veterinarians and their staff. Athena has been ruled out as a surgical candidate because the megaesophagus does not appear to be caused by anything structural. She was diagnosed this past week with very low cortisol levels so she is off to the specialists again on Monday for more bloodwork to determine a treatment plan for that underlying condition, in hopes that this will allow Athena to grow and then outgrown the Mega-E. Other than being small, she is impressively healthy in appearance and is in wonderful spirits. There are no promises, and we don’t know what the future brings, but we know that this girl deserves every chance she can be given. Until she overcomes this condition, or signals that she has spent all the time with us that she will, we have agreed to support her. She is a fighter, and this is a fight we can get behind. The newborn swaddled pictures of Athena were taken when she first arrived. They are still accurate in depicting her size ten weeks later as she stays just below the 2 lbs mark. She is our Tiny But Mighty. We invite you to let her be yours, too. We don’t know how long her visit will be on planet earth, but we hope that her story of persistence, rising above difficulty, and hope will inspire you as it has us. Special thanks to all of her veterinarians and the foster parents who have come together for this girl. It has been a true team effort. Adoption includes vet check, spay/neuter, and vaccinations. Current on flea preventative. Tested negative for FIV & FeLeuk. If you are interested, please fill out an Cat Adoption Application Our adoptions include a foster period of 4-6 weeks so that you can be sure that this pet is a good fit without any pressure, and we are available to answer any behavior or training questions during that time (and beyond, if you wish). ** Local adoptions preferred (within Greater New Orleans area and surrounding parishes). We do not ship animals, as a part of our adoption process is for the potential adopter(s) to meet the pet to assess if he/she is a match for the family.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.October 4, 2023, 5:44 am
