Biscotti, a Devon Rex kitten, had a rough start to life. At just one pound, she needed emergency surgery to remove a portion of her intestinal tract that was telescoping into an adjoining segment, a condition known as intussusception.
At this time, Biscotti belonged to a friend of
Dr. Kyndl Brunson, a GP veterinarian with
Thrive Austin East, who has a soft spot for the breed.
“I offered to come get her for a couple of weeks to do testing here at the hospital to figure out what’s wrong, but after four or five days with me, she wasn’t getting better, and she was still losing weight.”
Dr. Brunson took Biscotti in for emergency surgery, remembering that it was extremely touch-and-go during the procedure.
“I had to take in another one of my cats, Lorelai, to be a blood donor because they didn’t have any type B blood around. So, I had two pets in the hospital, and every time the phone rang my heart dropped.”
Miraculously, Biscotti pulled through, though she was very thin and still had a long road to recovery. Slowly but surely, she regained her strength – and her spunk!
“She started playing, which built her muscles. Then, all her hair grew back. Now, she goes about her daily life. She’s an intense, aggressive lover. She loves to headbutt and purrs like a tractor when we’re trying to sleep.”
Last August, Biscotti was healthy enough to enter her very first International Cat Association show, where she was ranked the 3rd best Devon Rex kitten and 98th Best Kitten across all breeds internationally!
To help keep Biscotti and Lorelai healthy, happy, and ready to compete, Dr. Brunson frequently brings the duo to Thrive Austin East for their vaccination and wellness needs.
“I want them to be used to as many people as possible – picking them up, handling them, examining their teeth, ears, eyes. And it’s nice for the team as well. When anybody feels stressed out, they can come cuddle a cat. So, it’s a good trade-off.”
We’re inspired by Thrivers like Dr. Brunson, who step in to provide exceptional care when pets need it most — and thrilled that Biscotti got a second chance to live and thrive!
