06/04/2025
π£Tofu is awake after his life-saving surgery today! π His incredible surgeon, Dr. Julia Coutin at Veterinary Specialists Of Greater New Orleans, said she was very pleased with how his PRAA surgery went. ππΎ
For those following his journey, PRAA (Persistent Right Aortic Arch) is a congenital anomaly that constricts the esophagus, making it nearly impossible for food to pass to the stomach. This little guy spent the first 7 weeks of his life starving, regurgitating everything he ate. π
Nearly two months ago, he was picked up by Ville Platte volunteer Jill as part of a thriving litterβbut tiny Tofu was just 2.5 lbs and barely hanging on. His owner didnβt know why he was fading, but Bellevue Animal Clinic welcomed him in for us. A barium study showed Megaesophagus, and Dr. Kevin suspected PRAA might be the causeβa condition that could be corrected surgically.
Thanks to your support, we were able to get the CT scan that confirmed it. Though his critical surgery had to be postponed two weeks ago due to pneumonia, we're so glad we waited.
Where he is today is a testament to the remarkable care his foster mom (and vet nurse) Kayla and Dr. Laura and the team at Bellevue have provided for him. Feeding him every two hours in a special chair, holding him upright for twenty minutes after he eats a special blended diet, wow- talk about dedication and compassion!! These two real-life superheroes truly made todayβs surgery possible. π¦ΈββοΈπ¦ΈββοΈ
We are so grateful to everyone whoβs had a hand (or paw) in helping this little marshmallow get his second chance at life.
Talk about taking a village ...
πΆ Jill, Melissa, and Miss Gretta from Friends of Ville Platte Animal Shelter & Friends of Mamou Shelter
π Jenny Guidry, who coordinated transport, and all the transporters involved
π©ββοΈ All the incredible doctors and vet techs involved
Please keep him in your thoughts as he recoversβand stay tuned for an update tomorrow! π
π Diagram of PRAA in comments for those whoβd like to learn more.