13 June 2024

Fern, a 4-year-old cat, arrived at Mountainside after her owner's apartment building caught fire.

Trapped in the smoky apartment for two hours before being rescued, Fern exhibited an increased respiratory rate and effort. During her exam, she received oxygen through a face mask and was then placed in an oxygen chamber for further support. While she showed no signs of thermal injury, her lungs were significantly impacted.

Understandably anxious after her ordeal, Fern was given medication to keep her calm. Once stable, she was moved to the quieter cat ward. In this calmer environment, her breathing improved, and after nearly 24 hours, she was reunited with her owners. Fern made a full recovery with no lasting effects from the fire. Way to go, Fern!

A house fire is a terrifying event, and the added burden of vet bills can be overwhelming. We're incredibly grateful for organizations like The Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team, which support pet owners when disaster strikes.