Patches, a sweet 4-year-old kitty, was brought to Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (MVES) after his owner noticed he was no longer bearing weight on his right front leg. During a routine walk on his harness, an unexpected noise from the air conditioner startled him. In a panic, Patches began jumping and became highly distressed. Although his owner was able to safely retrieve him, they feared his leg may have gotten caught in his harness. At home, he was breathing heavily and remained non-weight-bearing on his right forelimb.

After initial evaluation at our Mission hospital by emergency veterinarian Dr. Adam Houghton, Patches was transferred to our Overland Park hospital for a surgical consultation with board-certified surgeon Dr. Kim Aeschlimann.

Making the Hard Decision

Facing the possibility of limb amputation is never easy. For Patches’ owner, it came with understandable fear and hesitation. But with the compassionate guidance of Dr. Aeschlimann and our surgery intern, Dr. Kevin Grisham, the family was able to navigate the decision with clarity and confidence.

"Amputation was a scary thought at first," Patches’ owner shared. "But after speaking with Dr. Kim, the decision became easy and painless. She took the time to walk us through every possibility and potential outcome, and I knew we were in the best hands."

Anesthesia & Pain Management Tailored for Cats

Cats have unique anesthetic needs, and ensuring their safety and comfort requires advanced training and meticulous attention to detail. For Patches’ procedure, his anesthesia and pain management were overseen by board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist Dr. Charlotte Marquis. Thanks to Dr. Marquis' expertise and personalized approach, Patches received the highest standard of anesthetic care, keeping him safe and comfortable before, during, and after surgery.

A Resilient Recovery

Now just over one month post-op, Patches has made an incredible recovery. He’s back to his playful, affectionate self—and adjusting beautifully to life on three legs.

"He’s totally Patches again—wild, playful, snuggly, and so resilient. I’m so thankful for the good people out there, like Dr. Kim and the entire team at Overland Park VES, who cared for him and helped me every step of the way."

The entire team is honored to have been part of Patches’ journey. His case is a powerful reminder of how quickly pets can adapt and thrive when given the right care and support.

Here When You Need Us

If you’re facing a difficult decision about surgery for your pet, our team of specialists is here to help. With board-certified surgeons, experienced surgical interns and residents, and a full support staff, we’re committed to guiding you through every option with empathy, expertise, and trust.