A heart defect, two procedures, and one very lucky cat.
Hex was born with a patent ductus arteriosus, a PDA, which sent blood flowing through his heart the wrong way. He had a first procedure in the spring, but it left an opening that still needed closing.
On 3 February 2026, the cardiology team at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital closed that opening using a tiny device threaded into his heart. It is a procedure rarely done in cats, because most cats are simply too small for it. At 15 pounds, Hex was big enough to qualify. Being a substantial cat saved his life.
The next day we got the news: a complete success. Hex went back to the family who had been fostering him, and on to becoming theirs for good.
The procedure cost approximately $6,000. We asked this community to raise $1,500 of it by 3 February. A generous sponsor covered part of the cost, Hex’s foster family contributed as well, and donors closed the rest.
Thank you to the cardiology team at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, who did both procedures.
