When the rescue organization Flatbush Cats found a tiny street kitten in Brooklyn, he was sweet, playful, and full of kitten energy. During his first veterinary exam, however, a severe heart murmur was detected, an early sign that his case would be anything but routine.
Further testing revealed the cause: patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a congenital heart defect in which a blood vessel that should close shortly after birth remains open. This abnormal blood flow places dangerous strain on the heart and, without treatment, can be life-threatening, particularly in young animals.
Since heart surgery in a kitten this small carries significant risk, he was referred to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) for specialized care. At AMC, the diagnosis was confirmed, and surgical correction was recommended as his best chance for long-term survival.
The life-saving procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Hart, a board-certified surgeon and Head of AMC’s Surgical Service 4. Support for the surgery was provided through AMC to the Rescue, AMC’s donor-funded program for rescue animals whose medical needs might otherwise prevent adoption. During the delicate operation, the abnormal vessel was successfully closed. With blood flow restored to normal, the strain on the kitten’s heart was relieved, allowing it to function as it should. He went on to make a full recovery.
Three weeks later, Christal Luna, a Licensed Veterinary Technician at AMC and a member of the kitten’s AMC care team, adopted him. She named him Finn.
Today, more than two years later, Finn is healthy, active, and far removed from the uncertain future he once faced. At home, he thrives alongside his feline siblings and has a hearty appetite. Christal affectionately calls him her “scrunchie boy” for the way he scrunches up his nose when his chin is scratched just right.
Finn’s story is a powerful reminder that healing goes beyond medicine and surgery. When AMC partners with rescue organizations and donor support helps bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment, lives are saved and transformed.
Dr. Hart’s Exam at AMC (Photo Credit: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center)
