With the help of our generous supporters, Helping Rescue Cats (Durham) took Ralphie in to foster care and had him fully Vet assessed and treated. Ralphie had a mouth-full of decayed teeth which were removed over a number of dental surgeries. His painfully swollen cheeks healed. Although Ralphie's eyesight was permanently lost, his goopy eyes were treated and they began to shine. He was put on a highly nutritious diet to control his severe allergies and with regular brushing, his fur became soft and silky.
Ralphie was on the mend and began to enjoy a pain free, fear-free, cozy and loving life in permanent foster care. He became our poster boy with his before and after photos. Ralphie's supporters continued to ask for updates and showered him with their love and best wishes.
Although he didn't display any signs of pain, we kept our eye on Ralphie’s eyes and a regular checkup
revealed he had developed chronic GLAUCOMA — a very painful disease of the eye where fluid pressure builds up. The most likely culprit was the eye trauma that caused his blindness. Ralphie’s vet consulted with Animal Ophthalmology specialists and determined the best treatment for our fella was to have both his eyes surgically removed. Long-term medication with frequent vet visits could have relieved some of Ralphie's discomfort, but it’s very likely he would have still needed this surgery down the road.
As all cat parents know, cats are extremely good at hiding their pain and we wouldn’t really know if Ralphie’s pain was or was not being managed. His surgery appointment was made and our fella came though with flying colours!
A couple of weeks after his surgery, our handsome Ralphie was doing so well he was smiling! He finished his antibiotics and pain meds like a champ and there were no infections or complications. Ralphie had fully healed and our fella continues to enjoy his life!
