**Tank broke his back after a hit and run and was discarded in the road in Imperial Valley. A brave rescue stepped up, he had spinal surgery and is now undergoing physical and laser therapy. Will you donate and help Tank heal and walk again? **
As reported in a heartbreaking post on Facebook, a large orange cat had been hit by a car and was lying in the middle of the road in a small farming community (in Imperial Valley) with no 24-hour animal control and the nearest emergency veterinarian two hours away.
Thanks to a kind Good Samaritan, Tank was moved out of harm’s way, and help was requested. One of our rescue partners, Southern Counties Rescue, immediately stepped in.
When Tank was examined at the vets, he could not use his back legs at all. He had scratches and abrasions on his face and a possible concussion from the accident. X-rays revealed serious spinal trauma, and he was hospitalized immediately for pain management and supportive care. Further diagnostics, including an MRI with a specialist, confirmed spinal damage — but thankfully, his spine was not completely severed.
Tank underwent specialized spinal surgery. Titanium plates and screws were placed to stabilize and fuse his damaged vertebrae. He remained hospitalized for six days following surgery and is now recovering under close medical supervision, including physical therapy.
Tank is an adult male (estimated 3–5 years old), not neutered, and without a microchip. Given how friendly and affectionate he is, we believe he was once someone’s beloved pet.
Here’s the hopeful part.
Tank’s veterinary team is optimistic that he will walk again. His recovery will require time, patience, and a long-term commitment to rehabilitation. He is currently in foster care and attends professional physical therapy sessions three times a week, along with daily exercises at home. His medical team anticipates that approximately six months of physical therapy will be needed to give him the best possible chance at a full recovery.
Care like this comes at a significant cost.
Tank’s veterinary expenses have already exceeded $3,000, and with ongoing physical therapy and follow-up care, those costs will continue to rise.
At All About the Animals, we believe in standing alongside rescue partners when animals need extended, life-changing care. That’s why we’re sharing Tank’s story with you today.
If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support Tank’s recovery. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps ensure he gets the care he needs to heal, be pain free, and walk again.
If donating isn’t possible right now, sharing Tank’s story is another powerful way to help.
Thank you for being part of a community that makes second chances possible.
With gratitude,
