Every rescue pet has a story, but Curby’s is one of resilience, expert care, and a little bit of fate.

Curby (originally named Gomez) came to us through Pet Helpers rescue after a terrifying ordeal. He had been picked up and shaken by a dog, leaving him struggling to breathe. One of our team members, Lauren Mack, a surgery assistant here at our hospital, quickly fell in love with the little gray cat, and what started as emergency care soon turned into a forever bond.

The Emergency

When Curby first arrived at the ER, he was in critical condition. His injuries included:

• Pneumothorax: air trapped around his lungs, making it hard for him to breathe

• Pulmonary contusions: bruising of his lung tissue

• Pleural effusion: fluid building up inside his chest

• Pyothorax: a severe infection inside his chest cavity

Emergency veterinarian Dr. Shannon O’Keefe immediately performed a thoracocentesis, a procedure to remove the trapped air so his lungs could expand again. Curby was also started on oxygen therapy, pain relief, and antibiotics to help fight the infection.

Critical Care and Recovery

The next morning, Curby was transferred to our Critical Care Service under Dr. Alyx Tracy. There, he continued to receive oxygen support, close monitoring, fluids, and ongoing antibiotics. Over the next 48–72 hours, he made dramatic improvement. His breathing became easier, his chest stabilized, and his sweet personality started to shine through again.

A Happy Ending

By the time Curby was discharged, it was clear he already had a special place in Lauren’s heart. She chose to foster him, and it didn’t take long before she made it official. Today, Curby is thriving at home with her.

Beyond the Medicine

Curby’s case reminds us of two important things:

1. Timely emergency care saves lives.

   Rapid intervention and teamwork made all the difference for him.

2. Love heals, too.

   The bond between pets and their people is often the final piece of recovery.

And as an added bonus, during his recovery, Curby even posed for a few photos in a Frampton hard hat. These adorable shots are now some of our favorite “stock photos” to use for updates about hospital moves, construction, or just when we need to brighten someone’s day.

From trauma patient to beloved family member, Curby’s story is a reminder of why we do what we do every day.

*DOWNLOAD CURBY’S FULL CASE STUDY*

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