MSPCA-Angell Rescues Homeless Kittens Born without Eyelids

BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2015 – Two scared and dirty kittens born without eyelids were pulled from a drainage pipe and rushed to the MSPCA-Angell in late August and are now awaiting sight-saving surgery at the MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center, the organization announced today.

Anna wraps her paws around her sister Elsa as both are evaluated by Dr. Coster (credit MSPCA-Angell)

The 10-week-old kittens—now named “Anna” and “Elsa”—were rescued by a good Samaritan from a construction site in Dorchester, Mass. The kittens were born without upper eyelids, a rare congenital condition known as Agenesis. To save their eyesight Angell Ophthalmologist Dr. Martin Coster will attach tissue from their lower lips to the muscles that enable them to blink which, in effect, reconstructs the missing lids.

The operation is similar to the one Dr. Coster performed on a kitten named “Phil,” whose story of recovery from Agenesis made headlines around the world last December.

Donations Sought

The surgery is expected to cost over $2,000 and will be paid for by Spike’s Fund, a fund that pays the medical care costs of homeless animals in the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center. That fund, owing to the dozens of dogs, cats and other animals surrendered this past summer requiring expensive medical care, is nearly depleted.

Anyone who wishes to donate may do so by clicking www.mspca.org/dorchesterkittens.

“Any donations we raise will be used to offset the costs of Anna and Elsa’s surgery and to administer ongoing veterinary care for animals like them,” said MSPCA-Angell adoption center manager Alyssa Krieger. “We’re hopeful that those who support our good work will keep doing so, so we can continue going above and beyond for the animals in our care.”

The surgery is scheduled to take place the week of Oct. 5 now that the kittens have reached two pounds.

Without the surgery, constant irritation brought on by dry and itchy eyes could lead to ulceration and, eventually, complete blindness for both kittens. “We’re pulling out all the stops for Anna and Elsa so that they can enjoy a long and healthy life in an adoptive home,” said Krieger.

The kittens will require several weeks of rest and recovery. The MSPCA-Angell will announce their availability for adoption when the time draws near. Meantime, anyone interested in adopting the pair can email adoption@mspca.org for more information about the adoption process.

For more information about Angell Animal Medical Center’s Ophthalmology (and other) specialty services readers may click here.

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Angell Animal Medical Center cares for more than 50,000 animals a year and is one of the most acclaimed veterinary practices in the country. Angell has 67 doctors and an experienced support staff who work as a team to ensure high quality general wellness, emergency and specialty care. With 31 board-certified specialists and technology that includes an MRI specifically designed for animals, Angell is committed to providing a broad range of specialized expertise and experience, but delivers this care with one-on-one compassion that animals and their owners deserve. Angell is open for emergencies 24 hours of every day of the year, and offers night and weekend appointments with our specialty services.