Desiree arrived at Best Friends via an animal control officer who had found an injured kitten. We unfortunately did not have any more history when we first met Desiree. Our first look showed us a five week old muted tabby female kitten… a very sick kitten.

Desiree had a large wound over her right shoulder. The skin was torn and the underlying muscle was exposed. The wound was infected with bacteria and infested with fly larvae. She was also very weak, dehydrated and had a low body temperature.

We immediately admitted Desiree to the clinic and began working on her. We gave her fluids, antibiotics, pain medication and warmed her up. Even though the wound was severe, the more urgent issue was her debilitated state. Once warmed up and a bit stronger we gently cleaned her wound and placed a bandage.

We had several concerns that night; would Desiree even survive her injuries? If she did survive would we be able to save the limb? If the limb is saved will she be able to use it normally? Does she have any of the serious kitty viral diseases that may affect her ability to heal? All these things worried us as we prepared for Desiree for her first night with us. One of our veterinary technicians took her home to make sure she stayed warm and to help her eat. She was still too weak to feed herself and tiny kittens such as this are not able to maintain their blood sugar and body warmth if they are too sick or injured to eat.

The next day showed us that Desiree was a fighter. She was still very sick and weak but a bit stronger than the day before. We carefully removed her old bandage and again gently bathed the wound. We noticed that her lower leg was swollen from her elbow to her toes with purulent (infected) material oozing from a wound by her forearm. Her skin was beginning to tear there, too. It looked as if the infection had spread, not a good sign.

Desiree’s wound was severe enough that we determined we would need to change her bandage twice daily to keep it clean … much to Desiree’s displeasure. The bandage has to be removed, the wound bathed first in an antiseptic soap (at least initially until the infection is cleared) then rinsed with warm saline. We then have to dry her with a warm towel and a hairdryer (she hates that part). We are very diligent making sure she is dry so we can keep her warm (remember tiny kittens can get cold very easily) and to make sure the bandage goes over dry skin. Wet skin under a bandage can do nasty things and her skin is already compromised. We wanted to be careful not to make things worse. We then rebandaged her from her toes to her shoulder and around her little chest to hold it in place. All this had to be done with a less than cooperative five week old kitten. Doesn’t sound hard but it took three of us.

So begins Desiree’s story. It looks as if she will pull through this but we are still concerned about her leg and the spreading infection. We think she is a fighter (especially when it comes to hairdryers) but it would be great if everyone could send special good wishes her way!

October 6, 2009 : 2:54 PM ET
posted by: Rosy

I read Desiree's story and saw her video, what a brave young soul and a real trooper. I hope in the long term Desiree will be okay and that the infection does not spread. She is so lucky to have found Best Friends to save her life and nurse her wounds. Good Luck Desiree.

August 11, 2009 : 12:10 PM ET
posted by: jukeitz

Sweet little Desiree, Warm wishes for a speedy recovery! You are the cutest little girl. Buddy and I will keep you in our thoughts. Chris

July 28, 2009 : 8:38 PM ET
posted by: Tim Knight

Hi again Desiree. I have been wondering how you are doing and it seems that you are on the mend. I am so happy that you found your way to Best Friends. Continue to improve and I will pray that you find a forever home.

Hugs and Kisses to you...

July 28, 2009 : 3:11 PM ET
posted by: skya

Please let us know how Desiree is doing! It's been two weeks - more than my OCD can handle, LOL!!!!!

July 28, 2009 : 1:47 PM ET
posted by: mxipp

Hello Desireee!

I was at the sanctuary this weekend and asked Dr. Mike if Desiree was accepting visitors at the clinic. He said I could NOT see her at the clinic, for a very GOOD reason.

I will let her care givers tell you about it in their next post, which I hope is soon!

July 27, 2009 : 5:54 PM ET
posted by: nicksnewmama

Please post an update to this precious baby's story - I hope she is doing better!!

July 24, 2009 : 8:19 PM ET
posted by: kissyfur

I am pulling for 110 % you can make and beat this nasty infection hands down. Prayers are with you little girl !!!!

July 24, 2009 : 9:00 AM ET
posted by: FuzzMother

What a cutie! You are in my prayers, Desiree. We need an update NOW!

July 23, 2009 : 1:14 PM ET
posted by: barbanett

we are sending you lots of little licks and keep up your fighting spirit, little Desiree. we are rooting for you 2 KITTEN loving cats in Canada

July 23, 2009 : 7:59 AM ET
posted by: czimmer671

How is this precious little girl??

July 22, 2009 : 12:51 PM ET
posted by: mxipp

Hi, Desiree. I am heading your way! Is there any chance you're allowed visitors yet?

July 22, 2009 : 11:48 AM ET
posted by: skya

Yup, Desi's my new OCD case!!!

July 21, 2009 : 3:23 PM ET
posted by: crazysleepingcatlady

Yes, I believe that Desi's fan club is due for an update on our precious little one! How about it Best Friends....................can we please get an update before we all climb the walls???????

Prayers continue to be sent to you, Desiree, from Michigan.

Mom of Whiskers, Pete, Niki and Samantha 5.23.94 ~ 8.13.94 ~ 10.10.05 ~ 6.10.08

July 21, 2009 : 10:13 AM ET
posted by: skya

How is our baby doing??? I'm jonsing big time for an update! >^..^<

July 20, 2009 : 11:33 PM ET
posted by: a.rabbitmom

Welcome to the world of Best Friends, Desiree. With your fighting spirit and the abundance of love at BF...well, I think you are going to be just fine. Try not to fight the hairdryer too much. It's for your own good...just remember that. You are just too cute and I'm certain you will find your forever home just as soon as you are all healed up. Take care sweet one. I will watch your progress daily and keep you in my thoughts.

July 20, 2009 : 6:41 PM ET
posted by: jmuhj

You've got PURRayers from nine plus one comin' at ya from CATifornia, sweet little Desiree. Prayers for healing, prayers for comfort, prayers for growth, and prayers for your FURever, loving home VERY SOON. We love you, Desiree!

July 20, 2009 : 9:42 AM ET
posted by: dianam

Aww...little Desiree. You are in good hands. BF will do everything they can to help you along the way.

July 18, 2009 : 11:10 PM ET
posted by: GidgetinAustin

Hey Desiree! I was the beneficiary of the great care at Best Friends. I'm sending you all my good wishes. Someday maybe we can play together!

Love, Gidget (now living in Austin, TX)

July 18, 2009 : 5:07 PM ET
posted by: dreamonia

sending healing prayers your way Desiree. What a beauty!!! I will watch for updates.

Hang in there sweetie.

July 18, 2009 : 12:52 PM ET
posted by: Tim Knight

Good morning my little Desiree. I sincerely hope you are feeling better today. Since I read your story I cannot stop thinking about what trauma and pain you must have suffered. I know you are in good hands now and I pray that you survive this ordeal and live a long, healthy and happy life. I am planning visit to Best Friends this fall and would like to see you while I am there if you have not found a forever home by then.

All my love...

Tim

July 17, 2009 : 10:44 PM ET
posted by: ssowada

Desiree, You hang in there sweetheart! The good folks at Best Friends will take extra special care of you and the rest of us will send all of our good thoughts and wishes your way.

July 17, 2009 : 3:27 PM ET
posted by: wildlifechild

You are in my thoughts little one - You are in the best of hands.

July 16, 2009 : 8:51 PM ET
posted by: jkrogh

You've come to the right place little one, with all the prayers headed your way I'm sure you will feel better very soon, in the mean time hang tough you are on the very best of hands. May God bless you with strength to carry you through this bump in the road. Julie

July 16, 2009 : 2:15 PM ET
posted by: lld

Welcome little Desiree! I just want to scoop you up and protect you from anything bad! Fortunately you are in the wonderful and caring hands of the Best Friends veterinary team, not to mention the world of the Best Friends Guardian Angels. Needless to say you have more people praying for you and sending nothing but good thoughtst your way than you can even imagine!

I am hoping to read frequent updates on your continued improvement. You are a fighter (and a very cute one at that), so I'm praying you can fight off this infection and soon be running around with other kittens your age.

Gentle kisses and hugs to you sweetie!

July 16, 2009 : 12:46 PM ET
posted by: luvctas4

You bet!!! Good thoughts and many prayers are being sent for this little one. Hang in there girl, you are at the best place I can think of.

July 16, 2009 : 12:26 PM ET
posted by: pamsandwich

How adorable! Glad she is in the right place to get the care she needs. We will all be thinking and praying for her!

July 16, 2009 : 9:44 AM ET
posted by: czimmer671

Welcome little Desiree!

Of course this girl has the prayers and good wishes of the GA Community! And I know that she will pull through.

Keep fighting sweet kitty (well, don't fight the hair dryer), and you will beat down that nasty infection and move on to living the good life that awaits you.

Love, Christina, Noah and Buck Rogers.

July 15, 2009 : 11:42 PM ET
posted by: lancecrossfire

Ok, this is just a pure bundle of cuteness! I’m sure she’s going to steal every heart she gets near. So much for such a young soul to have gone though. Welcome to the GA program—a place I think is one of the most wonderful places an animal in need can end up. A special program for a very special kitty

July 15, 2009 : 10:05 PM ET
posted by: bprincell

Oh my gosh...just looking at Desiree's picture made me teary. I am sending her my prayers and healing thoughts. A huge thank you to the animal control officer that brought her to BF instead of...well you know. And of course, another huge thank you to BF for taking care of her.

July 15, 2009 : 8:13 PM ET
posted by: Squeakie42

What a gorgeous redhead! Just think, Desi -- if they think you're a handful now, wait until your strength is back...uh-oh! Kitten, Tiglet, and Mindi all send huge sympathy head butts -- they hate the sound of the dryer, too -- much less the idea that it could ever be aimed at any part of them. Any thoughts about IV antibiotics -- or is this girl too tiny for such 'big guns'?

Welcome, baby girl. Those busybody people all love you, & want you to come through in one piece. So try to put up with their poking and washing and binding... All the GAs are hovering over you.

July 15, 2009 : 8:03 PM ET
posted by: skya

OH, poor precious little baby! Kittens are so fragile at that age! Many prayers that this little fighter pulls through, with all her legs! I want to do some serious cuddling with her! >^..^<

July 15, 2009 : 6:20 PM ET
posted by: melissas

Poor little baby. Don't worry, it only gets better from here. We all love you and will have you in our thoughts every day.

July 15, 2009 : 6:08 PM ET
posted by: ktsmom

What a gorgeous baby! Welcome Desiree, we are all pulling for you, and you are certainly in the best place to get the care you need. Thank you to everyone for doing so much for her..........Gloria

July 15, 2009 : 5:03 PM ET
posted by: dogmom

I "heart" Desiree.

July 15, 2009 : 4:52 PM ET
posted by: crazysleepingcatlady

OMG, I could just eat this little one up.....I am on cuteness overload! Desiree, you just have to tolerate that nasty hairdryer for a short time until your wound gets better.

We are thrilled that you are now in the hands of the best angels on earth @ Best Friends! They will get you mended in no time and then you'll have lots of suitors lined up to take you to your forever home!

No doubt your fan base will increase by leaps and bounds as soon as the word gets out.

Mom of Whiskers, Pete, Niki and Samantha 5.23.94 ~ 8.13.94 ~ 10.10.05 ~ 6.10.08

July 15, 2009 : 4:32 PM ET
posted by: phoenixstrength

Welcome Desiree! Your wound and health sound horrible for now, but I am sure you will recover well now that you are at Best Friends.

Stephanie

July 15, 2009 : 2:40 PM ET
posted by: Watsonsmom

Welcome to the GA Program little one!!! We are all pulling for you! Watson says RUFF RUFF!!! Get better soon, you are tooooo cute! And the BF angels will have to running on full power in no time.

July 15, 2009 : 2:27 PM ET
posted by: wycheck fan

oooo! She is adorable!!! So sorry to hear about her terrible wound, but I know she will get the best care and lots of prayers and good wishes from her GA family. So glad you landed at BF, Desiree!

July 15, 2009 : 2:18 PM ET
posted by: babs1171

YAY! An orange tabby kitten! LOVE 'EM!!!! What a sweet girl with such bad injuries. You landed at BF so all will be good now. Be a good patient and let BF get you better and find a forever home for you, little sweet one!

July 15, 2009 : 1:36 PM ET
posted by: mxipp

Hang in there, little one. You're in the best place possible right now. You put up with the hair dryer for a few days, and get well soon.