Care for Charlie

Hello,
My name is Brenda and I am trying to raise money to help senior kitty Charlie get the medical care that he needs. Charlie was found wandering the streets of Fitchburg by a good Samaritan. He was malnourished, drooling, hungry, covered in fleas, had a weeping eye, and was constantly sneezing. He did not have a microchip, and nobody claimed him as their own. The good Samaritan felt so bad for this pitiful cat, she took him in, did her best to clean him up, and brought him to the vet. Charlie is estimated to be approximately 10 years old, was treated for fleas, and given antibiotics to clear up his eye and respiratory infection. He has also tested positive for FIV.

After a few days on the antibiotics, Charlie did not seem to be any better, so he was brought back to the vet. Poor Charlie was diagnosed with Feline Stomatitis, “a severe, painful inflammation of a cat’s mouth and gums. In most cases, the condition causes ulcers to form in the mouth; these ulcers can involve the lips, tongue, gums, and back of the throat” (vetstreet.com). There is no sign of oral cancer, but he does have oral absesses on both sides of his mouth. Charlie is in so much pain, and his front paws are all bloody and discolored from him constantly from trying to clean the blood and drool from his mouth.

The Vet’s suggested treatment of additional antibiotics and steroids for Charlie has begun. The Vet feels the next step to treat the stomatitis effectively is to perform a complete mouth evaluation under anesthesia, and to perform whatever dental surgery is necessary.  Unfortunately, the good Samaritan has exhausted all her funds available to help Charlie, which is the purpose of this fundraiser. The vet has given a preliminary estimate for Charlie’s evaluation and treatment of $800-$1000.00. This may be adjusted once sedated exam and surgery is complete, and does not include the cost of any follow up treatment.

  Charlie is a love bug and wants nothing more than to be cuddled and to sit in a warm lap. He seems to realize people are trying to help him and meekly submits easily to taking his medication. The current antibiotics and steroids are helping somewhat, as he is beginning to eat better and gaining a little weight. Unfortunately, this is only temporary fix and he will need the surgery to actually clear up the stomatitis and ease all his pain.

I ask you to please consider donating to help this poor, senior kitty get the medical care he desperately needs. He’s a loving cat and deserves to live out the rest of his life in comfort and without pain.

    Donations of any size will be much appreciated by Charlie. No amount is too small. Even if you are unable to help financially, you can help by sharing Charlie’s story on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social networking sites you may belong to.

Again, thank you very much for your time and support,

Brenda and Charlie