Pinto is a resilient kitten who has faced many challenges in her young life.

She is already 12 weeks old, but weighs only 600 grams, which is about the size of a typical 6-week-old.

Pinto has shown incredible strength. She came into Meow Parlour’s care at just 2 weeks old and seemed to be doing just fine, but during the weaning process, she developed pneumonia. Since she wasn’t vomiting, nothing more serious was suspected at first. After running multiple blood tests to rule out other conditions, an X-ray finally revealed that Pinto has a condition called megaesophagus - part of her esophagus is abnormally wide, which causes food to get stuck and can lead to regurgitation.

To help her eat, Pinto takes medication to improve the motility of her esophagus and she has to be held upright during meals and kept in that position for at least 40 minutes afterward. Even with these measures, she sometimes still regurgitates hours later, making it difficult for her to keep food down and gain weight.

Pinto had a consultation with an internal medicine specialist who believes that her megaesophagus is caused by a stricture at the end of her esophagus. Dr. Palma has scheduled Pinto for an endoscopy on Friday. If he can find it, he will perform a balloon dilation procedure to widen the opening to her esophagus or if he discovers that the stricture is caused by a vascular ring, a surgeon will help remove the scar tissue to open her esophagus. Pinto will require an overnight stay at the hospital and a feeding tube while she recovers.

Pinto is sweet and loving. She purrs all the time and has adjusted to her new routine well - often falling asleep in the arms of whoever is holding her upright after her meals. She loves other cats and follows people around so she can settle down near them. We want to fight for Pinto to have a long and beautiful life.

Orphan Kitten Club has given Meow Parlour a $3,500 grant to cover some of Pinto’s medical expenses!

Can you help us raise the rest?

Thanks to your support, Pinto can have a chance at a healthy, happy life.

Pinto needs surgery

By MEOW PARLOUR CATS INC

Pinto needs surgery

Help this little bean