The Fight to Save Bebe’s Leg and Life
Bebe should never have had to endure so much pain. This 3-year-old stray cat was found in Queens, NY, limping and suffering on the streets — her fragile body bearing evidence of an injury that was left untreated for far too long. After Animal Centers of NYC picked her up, Bebe was scheduled to have her badly fractured hind leg amputated. Fortunately, we were alerted to her situation and brought her to our Pet Health Centers just in time.
Dr. Mark Verdino, Animal League America Chief of Veterinary Staff, assessed Bebe’s condition: “Judging from her injuries, she was most likely hit by a car. Her pelvis was fractured, but that will heal with time. The real concern was her femur — the entire bottom portion of her thigh bone had broken off. And we also found she had an abscess, likely from a penetrating injury, that put her at serious risk of infection.”
After treating the abscess and administering antibiotics, Dr. Verdino was able to surgically reconstruct her leg, using metal pins and a stabilizing rod. But while her leg is now realigned, Bebe is not out of the woods yet.
There is a chance that the infection could spread, and if it reaches the bone or the surgical implants, she could lose the battle to save her leg or even her life. That’s why Bebe needs ongoing critical care, infection monitoring, and round-the-clock attention. She’ll also require physical therapy to fully regain mobility — since she was living with broken bones for so long, the soft tissue in that leg contracted from disuse.
Through it all, Bebe remains heartbreakingly affectionate, accepting gentle pets and seeking comfort from those around her. It’s clear she once had a home — before she was either lost or abandoned. But she’s not alone anymore. With your support, we can give Bebe the treatment, medication, and specialized rehabilitation she needs to heal completely.
This fight isn’t over. Bebe was left to suffer alone, but with your donation to our Help Me Heal program, she can recover, thrive, and one day find a loving family again. Please give today and help Bebe walk into a brighter future.