Target is a 10 year-old, 6 pound, 9 ounce cat that came to us following a car accident. Her extensive injuries included a horribly broken and crushed rear leg and foot, and a torn diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and helps breathing. Her liver, intestines, stomach and pancreas were in her chest making it difficult for her to breath. But despite these problems, either of which could have been fatal, Target purred and rubbed our hands whenever handled.

During a lengthy, very high risk surgery and anesthesia, the abdominal contents were replaced in the abdomen and the diaphragmatic hernia was repaired. This view is actually looking through to the diaphragmatic tear into her chest and the back of her heart.

The surgical team included Dr. Rick Nelson, Amy Davis, RVT as assistant, and Kris Young, RVT as the anesthetist who breathed for Target and controlled anesthesia.

Following amputation of the leg Target recovers with a chest tube in place to re-establish a vacuum in her chest.

During a recheck to remove sutures, the purring Target gets a final squeeze. Alot of team work went into saving Target including a caring family to return home to.