Thanks to a Good Samaritan, Cirice has a new lease on life.
Cirice can also thank the ophthalmology team of the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital and the ISU Iron Dog Fund.
When she arrived at Iowa State, the kitten was not only without an owner, but she was blind and had irreversible ocular damage. It was determined that eye removal surgery of both eyes was the proper treatment for Cirice which is a more challenging procedure when the patient is so small.
“However, the prognosis for Cirice was excellent, as removal of the globes generally means that no more ocular problems can develop,” said Dr. Sonja Ing, ophthalmology resident.
The cost for the surgery was estimated at $3000 but without an owner it looked like the surgery wouldn’t be completed. But thanks to the Iron Dog Fund financial help was on the way for Cirice.
The ISU Iron Dog Fund supports the medical and surgical treatment of animals hospitalized in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. It is used when the increasing cost of veterinary care and economic conditions can force owners to make difficult decisions based on financial constraints.
The Iron Dog Fund provided up to $2100 for Cirice’s medical bills, if the remainder of the cost could be covered. Ing readily agreed.
“I fell in love with Cirice almost immediately,” Ing said. “After frantic coordination with my husband and landlord, we officially adopted her after the Good Samaritan relinquished ownership of the kitten, and I agreed to take financial responsibility for the bilateral eye removal surgery.”
Cirice has had other issues in her brief life including anemia, respiratory distress and now ringworm. But she has found her forever home with Ing and her family.
“Given all of these medical happenings, we are very, very grateful for the Iron Dog Fund,” Ing said. “It would have definitely been quite challenging to cover the costs otherwise.”
Cirice is just one example of how the ISU Iron Dog Fund can assist animal owners in need. Funding is made possible through contributions from generous donors. Individuals wishing to contribute to the Iron Dog Fund to assist patients like Cirice can find additional information online.
October 2025
