The Lort Smith team first met ten-month-old tabby Ryan in April when he was brought in with a very sore leg. As a cat who loved the outdoors, especially climbing, his carer suspected he may have fallen from a height when exploring his neighbourhood.

Ryan was in a great amount of pain and not bearing weight on his right leg. Preliminary examinations by vets suggested a fracture, which was later confirmed via x-ray.

Unfortunately the domestic short hair’s carer was no longer able to look after him due to a sudden change in living circumstances. So Lort Smith stepped in to give Ryan the serious medical attention needed to get him back on his paws.

The vet team met to discuss Ryan’s best pathway forward. Would it be a leg amputation, or would they be able to save his leg?

Luckily his fracture was able to be repaired. Ryan’s two orthopaedic surgeries were made possible thanks to the dedication of Lort Smith donors. These life altering procedures ensured Ryan’s bone fracture would be fully repaired with a permanent pin and plate to keep his leg in tiptop condition.

Ryan went to recover in foster care with long-time Lort Smith volunteer Narelle. She cared for Ryan through his rehabilitation, bringing him to vet appointments and keeping him happy with lots of cuddles.

Finally, two months after surgery Ryan’s leg was as good as new. Ready to find himself a permanent home, Ryan moved into the Adoption Centre.

Not letting his surgery define him, he would run and climb around the Adoption Centre like an active teenage cat.

Of course it wasn’t too long before he was adopted into a wonderful new forever home, where we know he will be causing as much trouble as he can.