Nardo suffered multiple head injuries. (CATSask/Facebook)

By Doug Lett

Nardo the cat recovery

Injured cat clings to life after blunt force trauma to head

Jan 6, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A badly injured cat is clinging to life in Melfort, after being rescued from a northern community a week ago. But the outlook is not good.

Dubbed ‘Nardo,’ which in Dene means “strong,” the cat is being supported by the group CATSask (Cat Action Teams of Saskatchewan) and a veterinary clinic in Melfort.

“He hasn’t eaten since Tuesday. We’re now going to try attempting to tube feed him,” said Brenda Orr with CATSask. “They won’t be able to do it while he’s conscious.”

In a Facebook post earlier this week, the group described how Nardo was brought in on Friday, December 30th from a northern community.

“Nardo has suffered massive head trauma including concussion, lower jaw fracture, broken pallet, lacerated tongue, broken teeth and nerve damage/injury to the eye (which may have to be removed),” said the post.

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“His injuries are thought to be an intentional act of cruelty and we are sickened, sad and angry that someone could do this to a loyal and faithful companion,” it said.

Nardo may lose both eyes. CATSask/Facebook

Orr said since then Nardo has had surgery on his broken palate and jaw and is on painkillers and other drugs, so it was hoped the cat would be able to begin eating again.

But so far that has not happened. In addition, his remaining good eye has filled with blood, which Orr said is usually a sign the retina has detached, which would mean a loss of vision in both eyes.

“Now he’s now started to meow and cry. Because he’s basically distressed because he can’t see,” she said.

Nardo was first brought to Prince Albert on December 30th, but with no after-hours emergency veterinary service, the cat was taken to Melfort and the Mohawk Animal Clinic.

Nardo was allowed to stabilize for a few days before getting operated on.

CATSask did online fundraising to help pay for the work, and so far has raised over $2,000. Orr said if there is any money left over, it will be used to help other animals.

“It’s been absolutely incredible,” Orr said of the support that has come in. “I couldn’t believe the outpouring.”

She said it was likely the cat was in an injured state for several days before he was found.

“The abuse is not uncommon…this is just a severe case,” she said.

She said the next few days are going to be crucial for Nardo.

“We’re gonna have to make a decision pretty soon because we don’t want to leave him suffering,” she said. Adding if Nardo does survive, he faces a long period of recovery.

doug.lett@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: DougLettSK