Spokane cat’s rare diagnosis leads to lifesaving care at WSU
New university findings highlight potential implications for dogs, surgery, and veterinary practice.
An ultrasound confirmed Nelson’s suspicion, and Spot was referred to WSU for specialized surgical care from a team that included board certified surgeon Dr.
For more than a year, Spokane resident Darren Bass searched for answers as a stray kitten that had worked its way into his heart struggled with puzzling symptoms that stumped veterinarians.
The kitten, later named Spot, was eventually diagnosed with a rare congenital liver defect known as a portosystemic shunt, which causes blood to bypass the liver instead of being filtered.
Referred to Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital for specialized care, Spot underwent a complex and risky surgery to correct the defect, with assistance from the hospital’s Good Samaritan Fund helping Bass manage the cost of treatment.
“It’s just been a wonderful experience for me at WSU because I was so frustrated not being able to figure out what was going on with Spot,” Bass said.
“Without surgery, they said she probably would have lived only a few more years.
But now she’s doing great, and I’m excited to see how much she continues to improve.” Bass discovered Spot outside his home on a cold October night in 2024.
Concerned the tiny and sickly-appearing kitten would not survive the night outdoors, he brought her inside with the intention of finding her a permanent home.
“At the time, I was struggling to find employment and wasn’t sure if I was going to be homeless,” Bass said.
“I kind of look at it as divine intervention.
When I was down, here was this little kitten that needed someone to take care of, and in a lot of ways she ended up helping me too.
The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.
Source university website: Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://vetmed.wsu.edu/spokane-cats-rare-diagnosis-leads-to-lifesaving-care-at-wsu/
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