Bobcat Receives Lifesaving Surgery

During the Eaton Fire we were constantly reminded of how important relationships with all stakeholders are, and how interconnected we have become. When our friends at the California Wildlife Center contacted us about a bobcat in their care, we knew immediately that we had to help.

The young female bobcat was struck by a car, and after arriving at the Wildlife Center, x-rays confirmed that one of her rear legs was broken. When dealing with wildlife, careful consideration must be given before any intervention. Our goal is always to rehabilitate animals who are likely to return to their normal environment.

The only chance for this cat to return to the wild was to have an orthopedic surgery known as a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO). The surgery involves the removal of the femoral head to return an animal to a pain-free existence.

Orthopedic surgery can be very expensive through private veterinary offices, but one of the staff veterinarians at Pasadena Humane, Dr. Jade Hardy, has considerable experience with this procedure, having done it on multiple cats and dogs in our care. She did not hesitate when the Wildlife Center reached out.

On the morning of the surgery, the bobcat was transported to Pasadena Humane and carefully anesthetized. Once she was safely under anesthesia, preparations began. Multiple x-rays were taken and the surgery was carefully performed. Afterwards, Dr. Hardy felt very confident that the procedure was successful would eventually allow the cat to be pain-free and completely able to fend for herself.

She was transported back to the California Wildlife Center for further recovery, and after a few weeks, the staff there reports that she is continuing to do well and will likely regain the strength and mobility to live out her life in the wild. Truly a good outcome made possible by collaboration!