Trilby's Tumour & Teeth Troubles
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My cat Trilby is nine years old and we've been together for over six years, ever since I got him at the Humane Society in late 2009 when he was three. The picture above was taken circa 2011. I was very lucky in my choice of cat. Besides being very handsome, Trilby is affectionate, playful, good-tempered, and generally well-behaved, if a little too smart for my comfort -- he can open every cupboard in the house *and* the freezer. Happily, given the chronic mice problem in my old house, he is also quite the dedicated mouser, and whatever he lacks in mousing ability owing to his congenital deafness, he more than makes up for in passion. When he sees a raccoon through the window he goes mental and challenges the coon to THROW DOWN like he's the bravest cat going, but that's probably all talk and knowing he's securely behind the window, because he's absolutely terrified of the vacuum cleaner and babies.
For the last three years I have been below the poverty line in terms of income, thanks in no small part to my chronic fatigue issues. Two years ago Trilby developed a tumour on his head. It was the size of a pea at first, and as you can see from the picture above, it has slowly grown to the size of a very large grape. His teeth are also in terrible condition -- I recently found one half of a broken off canine on the kitchen floor. I don't quite make enough to pay for my basic monthly expenses and have had no money to spare for veterinary bills.
A few months ago I saw the new vet clinic in my neighbourhood had a sign up in its window offering free first-time vet appointments to new clients. I made an appointment for Trilby and got a free quote for the surgery he needs from the vet. She agreed to remove the tumour and extract any teeth that needed it in a single surgery to keep the total cost down, though doing two procedures in one surgery is not usually recommended. There *are* advantages in doing both at once in that Trilby will only be anesthetized once and he will have to endure fewer of the vet visits that stress him so terribly. I will also be opting not to have a recommended fine needle biopsy done in order to reduce the total cost. Even so, the surgery will cost $1000, tax included.
The surgery is not absolutely urgent but I hope to do it within the next few months. Trilby's tumour is almost certainly benign, but benign tumours can become malignant if removal is delayed too long, and it has already been two years since I first found it. Trilby's dental issues are actually of greater urgency than the tumour as he might become unable to eat and/or infection from his rotting teeth could get into the bloodstream and kill him.
Trilby in a photo from late 2013, after he had developed his tumour but before it had gotten too big to remain hidden by his fur.
Other than his tumour and dental issues, Trilby seems to be in excellent health. His tumour and his teeth don't seem to be bothering him at all. He's at an ideal weight, has an insatiable appetite and a beautiful thick coat, is energetic and alert, and seems very contented with his life, with the possible exception of my not giving him unlimited treats. If I could get this surgery done there is every chance I will have my furry little demented roommate for a good number of years yet, and I will no longer have to feel such helpless worry about his health every time I look at him.
I know there are many needs out there greater and more important than mine, but if you are able and willing to spare a few dollars to help me have my cat's medical issues resolved I would be so grateful. Thank you for reading all the way to the bottom, and I hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures of Trilby.
For the last three years I have been below the poverty line in terms of income, thanks in no small part to my chronic fatigue issues. Two years ago Trilby developed a tumour on his head. It was the size of a pea at first, and as you can see from the picture above, it has slowly grown to the size of a very large grape. His teeth are also in terrible condition -- I recently found one half of a broken off canine on the kitchen floor. I don't quite make enough to pay for my basic monthly expenses and have had no money to spare for veterinary bills.
A few months ago I saw the new vet clinic in my neighbourhood had a sign up in its window offering free first-time vet appointments to new clients. I made an appointment for Trilby and got a free quote for the surgery he needs from the vet. She agreed to remove the tumour and extract any teeth that needed it in a single surgery to keep the total cost down, though doing two procedures in one surgery is not usually recommended. There *are* advantages in doing both at once in that Trilby will only be anesthetized once and he will have to endure fewer of the vet visits that stress him so terribly. I will also be opting not to have a recommended fine needle biopsy done in order to reduce the total cost. Even so, the surgery will cost $1000, tax included.
The surgery is not absolutely urgent but I hope to do it within the next few months. Trilby's tumour is almost certainly benign, but benign tumours can become malignant if removal is delayed too long, and it has already been two years since I first found it. Trilby's dental issues are actually of greater urgency than the tumour as he might become unable to eat and/or infection from his rotting teeth could get into the bloodstream and kill him.
Trilby in a photo from late 2013, after he had developed his tumour but before it had gotten too big to remain hidden by his fur.
Other than his tumour and dental issues, Trilby seems to be in excellent health. His tumour and his teeth don't seem to be bothering him at all. He's at an ideal weight, has an insatiable appetite and a beautiful thick coat, is energetic and alert, and seems very contented with his life, with the possible exception of my not giving him unlimited treats. If I could get this surgery done there is every chance I will have my furry little demented roommate for a good number of years yet, and I will no longer have to feel such helpless worry about his health every time I look at him.
I know there are many needs out there greater and more important than mine, but if you are able and willing to spare a few dollars to help me have my cat's medical issues resolved I would be so grateful. Thank you for reading all the way to the bottom, and I hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures of Trilby.
Organizer
Bethany Rae
Organizer
Toronto, ON
