Bella's feline better after cruel prank - by Lisa Colangelo, New York Daily News - Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Inc. - Working with the City of New York to promote dog and cat adoption and spay and neuter programs to make New York a no-kill city.

Home > The Alliance in the News > 2006 Alliance News Items > Bella's feline better after cruel prank

by Lisa Colangelo, New York Daily News

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Things are looking up for Bella, the kitten found on a Bronx street with a rubber band wrapped tightly around her right rear leg.

The victim of a cruel prank, Bella almost lost her leg. But the sweet-natured kitty is on the road to recovery, thanks to a story in the Daily News.

Bella was plucked from a city shelter and treated to top-shelf treatment, including massage and hydrotherapy at Bide-A-Wee's animal hospital.

Veterinarian Robin Brennen spotted Bella's picture and story in The News last month while riding the subway from a meeting. She contacted the Mayor's Alliance for NYC, which works with the city's crowded Animal Care and Control shelters to find homes for stray animals.

"Her hind limb from the ankle down was about five times the normal size," said Brennen, chief of veterinary services at Bide-A-Wee. "The staff put together a program that involved physical therapy and hydrotherapy and massage therapy with anti-inflammatory and pain medication." Bide-A-Wee, a private shelter, donated its services.

Staffers had their work cut out for them. Bella, like other cats, was no fan of water.

"She was fairly cooperative," Brennen said with a laugh. "It was a challenge."

After 10 days, Bella's leg was 95% normal. But the kitty walks flatfooted because of damage to her Achilles tendon. Brennen said it's unclear whether that was due to her injury or a birth defect.