Vet Care Fund

UPDATE

MARCH 3, 2025

Gigi's Mycoplasma test results came back POSITIVE!  it means her infectious anemia (feline hemotrophic mycoplasmosis) can be treated at home with antibiotics (doxycycline). Gigi's red blood cells are infected by a microscopic bacterial parasite that destroys them, and that's what is causing the severe anemia so if everything goes well, once she completes a 28-day-course of antibiotics her CBC values should improve. Although she also tested FeLV+  we are hopeful she will respond well to treatment and make some progress within the next few weeks.  

UPDATE 

FEBRUARY 25th, 2025

 Gigi's UPDATE  Sadly, we came back from the vet clinic with very bad news. A heart murmur was detected which the vet said could be due to various underlying conditions. Since Gigi is in her senior years and has lost a lot of weight, the vet thought at first it was due to heart disease however after her CBC test results came back with all the parameters in red it was rather clear something was terribly wrong with her immune system and not her heart. Gigi was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) which is a life-threatening disease caused by either an infectious blood parasite called Mycoplasma or from the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). To rule out conditions, the vet started by running a FeLV/FIV test and much to our surprise, Gigi tested POSITIVE; her extremely low hematocrit (11) indicates the virus is already invading the bone marrow. When we were told the diagnosis our hearts were shattered but more tests are needed to determine a prognosis. Gigi is going for an ultrasound scan on Friday afternoon to check for abdominal masses. Blood parasite testing was also done but we won't have the results until Monday; if it comes back POSITIVE, her severe anemia could be treated with antibiotics and corticoids although there is a chance of relapse. While IMHA is incurable, at least these meds could hopefully help her live a bit longer, but if it comes back NEGATIVE the prognosis is really poor. Needless to say how devastated we are by this whole situation which caught us completely off guard. Please keep our beloved Gigi and all of us in your thought and prayers

UPDATE 

FEBRUARY 13th, 2025

After paying off January and February rent, utilities, and basic supplies, we're falling short to cover long due vet checkups, some meds and supplements. Can you help us? 

Rescues who NEED vet checkups : 

Angel (scheduled for Monday Feb.17th) 

Gigi and Molly (to be scheduled). 

UPDATE 

NOVEMBER 29th, 2024

4 CATS with severe symptoms of Calicivirus/cat flu

We have 3 senior cats (Kitty, Vito and, Blackberry Melody) and 1 adult cat (Suzie) with severe sypmtoms of Calicivirus/Cat flu and one more adult cat (Mimi) with mild symptoms. Blackberry Melody is fighting Pneumonia and Vito Laryngitis/Esophagitis; they are both on antibiotics and other meds; they will have to go back for a follow-up visit this upcoming week. All the others can only beat this aggresive virus by keeping a strong immune system, so we need to help them by providing optimal nutrition and hydration, vitamin and probiotics supplements.  

We are rapidly RUNNING OUT of these supplemens, can YOU help? 

- PURINA Veterinary Diets Hydra Care Feline 1 PACK = $20 (need 4)

- Anima-Strath supplement 1 BOTTLE 250ml = $25 (Need 2)

- PURINA FortiFlora Feline Probiotic 1 PACK = $30 (Need 4)

- Impromune Paste Immune System Boost 2xPACK = $35 (Need 3)

- Royal Canin Recovery liquid food 3xPACK = $30 (Need 2)

Please chip in and help us afford meds and supplements we need so urgently to nurse them back to health. 

UPDATE 

NOVEMBER 26th, 2024

VITO (12) Diagnosed with Calicivirus

Today, Vito was hospitalized with IV fluids all day long. Deep sedation was required for more invasive procedures. X-rays of the thorax show his lungs and heart are OK but during the exploration of the mouth, larynx, and trachea, inflammation and bleeding ulcers on the tongue, gums, throat and the lining of the mouth were found. So additionally to the Esophagitis diagnosed yesterday, today he was also diagnosed with Calicivirus. We were devastated by the news for we know it is a highly contagious virus that causes a severe respiratory infection and oral disease, and all the other rescues ar at risk of being infected too. Today, we've been under a lot of stress, especially Vito  We picked him up at the end of the day and he almost didn't recognized us at first, but when Paul had to hold him while the vet removed the IV line he looked scared but happy to see us again! Vito will need dental surgery but the infection has to be treated first. He'll be on antibiotics for the next 14 days, and he'll also have to take anti-inflammatory, painkillers, liquid food and supplements to boost his immune system. Depending on how he responds to treatment, an OP will be scheduled for January 2025.

UPDATE 

NOVEMBER 25th, 2024

VITO (12) Diagnosed with Esophagitis and Gingivitis

After a first round of lab tests (complete blood count + biochemistry profile) and exhaustive physical examination, the emergency vet has diagnosed Vito with Esophagitis caused by a severe infection in his gums (Gingivitis) due to problems with his molars; he was also running a high fever (40º). He was given a shot of VETEMEX to treat nausea and vomiting, and has been sent home for the night with OMEPRAZOLE to start treating the Esophagitis and anti-inflammatory med for the Gingivitis. Tomorrow, first thing in the morning, we have to take him in for a day hospitalization, for further radiographic studies of the chest and mouth, and he might have to undergo dental surgery to have some teeth pulled. Tomorrow afternoon, after all the tests results are in, our trusted vet will be able to rule out any serious underlying cause and give us a more detailed diagnosis. We'll keep you updated as soon as we know more. Until then, please keep Vito in your thoughts and prayers 

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UPDATE

NOVEMBER 5th, 2024

MELODY (10) Diagnosed with PNEUMONIA

Blackberry Melody has been diagnosed with PNEUMONIA  She's been a very brave girl, and let the vet do all the tests without sedation. Her bloodsugar levels were rather high however the fructosamine test (-) ruled out Diabetes. Bloodwork results showed low levels of phosphorous and that there is an infection and the X-rays confirmed that the inflammation in the lungs is the cause of the persistent deep coughing. She will be on antibiotics for the next 3 weeksto help fight the infection. Hopefully we've caught it early so if she responds well to treatment, she won't be needing hospitalization. Please keep Blackberry Melody in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery 

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TJ (9)

UPDATE FRIDAY 07/26/2024

It’s with a heavy heart that we write this post to inform you that TJ crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday afternoon 07/25/2024. He was diagnosed with Acute Kidney Injury after the abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of renal infarcts in both kidneys and bile duct obstruction. Blood was found in his urine test and he never regained his appetite; his condition was compromising his liver and other vital organs. Only 23 days after Oliver's passing, once again we had to make the heart-wrenching decision of letting TJ go to save him from suffering any longer. 💔🌈TJ crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the late afternoon, all wrapped up in a soft blanket and so much love, both Paul and I were by his side until the end.

 As we mourn the loss of our beloved TJ ❤ we feel the need to express our deepest gratitude to the eight supporters who made a donation so that TJ could have the best care until the end. A massive THANK YOU ❤🙏to Janet Eggleton Sean Berger Marie Treanor James Berkson Christina Kühnle Stephany Hayden, Nicole Werynski and Christina McCree.

WEDNESDAY 07.24.2024

Yesterday, TJ was hospitalized with IV fluids all day. So far, there's been no progress. He hasn't eaten anything yet and continues to breathe heavily. He's not out of the woods yet but last night, the vet sent him home for the night because he is too stressed out and that was not helping his recovery process in such a fragile condition.

Blood work and urine test results indicate renal failure but they are not conclusive, a second round of testing is needed.

Today, we have to take him back to the vet clinic for 8 more hours of IV fluid therapy and further tests including an abdominal ecography. 

*LATEST UPDATE* TJ spent the night at home but he has not eaten anything and he continues to have labored breathing. Paul and TJ are on their way to the vet's right now. 

For more photos and videos please follow us on Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/change_one_life/

TUESDAY 07.23.2024

On Monday morning, TJ stopped eating, as hours went by he continued to be anorexic and became extremely lethargic. At night he was running a fever with heavy breathing, and the morning after he vomited some "pink liquid". 

Over the last 9 years at the Sanctuary, TJ has always been a very healthy cat so we are very worried about this sudden health issue. Please keep TJ in your thoughts and prayers ❤🙏

For the first round of lab tests and treatment, we've paid 175 euros  (190 USD) and today TJ is going for a second round of testing that includes an abdominal ultrasound. We're on a shoestring budget and need all the help we can get to pay off TJ's vet bills. Please GIVE ❤️🙏

OLIVER (12)

UPDATE JULY 03, 2024 

It is with great sorrow that we inform you that yesterday afternoon we lost our sweet Oliver to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). On Sunday, Oliver stopped eating and drinking and became lethargic. During the night he started running a high fever and showed clear signs of discomfort and pain. His body was no longer responding to insulin treatment, his blood pressure was high and his blood sugar levels kept getting higher. On Monday morning, we rushed him to the vet, and he was hospitalized with IV fluids. 

Many tests were run, blood work, abdominal ultrasound, urine test, etc. He was given all kinds of meds, but nothing worked. 

On Tuesday, his organs began to shut down and we had to make the hard decision of letting him go. Oliver crossed the Rainbow Bridge all wrapped in love and tender care until the very end. Paul and I were by his side until he took his final breath. 

For the first three years of his life, Oliver was abused and neglected until someone decided to abandon him and dropped him off at a feral cat colony; they did him and us a favor! Oliver’s life changed the day we found him hiding under a truck, terrified and not knowing how to fend for himself. We rescued him in July 2015. 

Despite being diabetic since 2018, Oliver was immensely happy and enjoyed his life at the Sanctuary to the fullest. It was our privilege and pleasure to take care of him for nine years.  

He was a gentle giant, unique in every aspect, patient and loving like no other. Oliver was that kind of cat that gives sense to all the struggle cat rescuers go through to save lives, he made every sacrifice worthwhile and gave us a thousand reasons to remember him forever more ❤🙏Rest easy sweet boy, no more syringes, no more earlobe punctures, no more pain.