Jake the Cat
Donation protected
Update: Jacob passed away April 2018 and it pretty much broke my heart. I’m grateful for the extra time I got to spend with him even though I will be paying off the vet bills for the next couple of years... if you don’t already have pet insurance for your fur babies, you should get it. Thank you for the support.
I couldn’t wait to give Jacob all of my love as soon as I met him. He is the only being I know who loves everyone so unconditionally and has such a kind, positive soul. He’s always in a chipper mood (unless he’s overwhelmed with mountains of fur). In October, Jacob lost a lot of weight over 2 weeks and was vomiting. They ran all the tests I could afford at the time and concluded he has inflammatory bowel disease, but not diabetes or a thyroid problem... blood work was somewhat normal other than being anemic. We got him steroid shots and allergy meds and changed his diet to hydrolyzed protein. This was all about $900. He seemed to be doing better and was running around, playing, knocking things off the counter... and then he stopped eating and would sleep all day. Last week, he sounded like he was struggling to breathe which was a respiratory infection. Bc it happened so fast, we finally did an ultrasound ($400) and found out he had pancreatitis. Due to anemia getting worse and being nonregenerative, he needed a blood transfusion so we can do endoscopy and biopsy which requires anesthesia. And while he’s under, they’re gonna place a feeding tube. ($2k down payment plus up to $2k when I pick him up.) Hopefully we’ll get a solid diagnosis from this... they’re thinking lymphoma but hopefully the rest checks out and we can begin treatment.I’m not sure what the next steps will be bc it depends on his results and if they needed to perform CPR... I guess we’ll just figure it out when we get there. They said surgery or intensive treatment would be another $2k-$4k but we’re hoping that won’t be necessary.I don’t expect much bc it’s the holidays and I know everyone is strapped for money but anything truly helps. Even if you just send your best thoughts and vibes his way, I really believe it can help turn his luck. I’m trying my best but it’s been... a struggle.If you’ve ever met Jake, you know that he deserves much better than this. To be happy, fluffy, and huge again. I’m really hoping that we can treat everything and manage it. Thank you.
Update 12/24/17:
My Jake is finally home. His red blood cell count is improving with treatment which is a really good sign. His hospital bill was $6500 but at least he’s doing much better... it’s worth it. Please help us out if you can. I am immensely grateful for my family n friends right now❣️
Update 12/26/17:
So good news: we have a diagnosis and it’s not cancer. Bad news: it sucks and he may relapse during/after treatment, depending on the strength of the immune system... some cats don’t make it. Jake has severe histoplasmosis which is a rare fungal infection and were still waiting on the bone marrow results but those should be fine. He should be better after a few months of treatment so fingers crossed! Starting the antifungal meds after work today!
I couldn’t wait to give Jacob all of my love as soon as I met him. He is the only being I know who loves everyone so unconditionally and has such a kind, positive soul. He’s always in a chipper mood (unless he’s overwhelmed with mountains of fur). In October, Jacob lost a lot of weight over 2 weeks and was vomiting. They ran all the tests I could afford at the time and concluded he has inflammatory bowel disease, but not diabetes or a thyroid problem... blood work was somewhat normal other than being anemic. We got him steroid shots and allergy meds and changed his diet to hydrolyzed protein. This was all about $900. He seemed to be doing better and was running around, playing, knocking things off the counter... and then he stopped eating and would sleep all day. Last week, he sounded like he was struggling to breathe which was a respiratory infection. Bc it happened so fast, we finally did an ultrasound ($400) and found out he had pancreatitis. Due to anemia getting worse and being nonregenerative, he needed a blood transfusion so we can do endoscopy and biopsy which requires anesthesia. And while he’s under, they’re gonna place a feeding tube. ($2k down payment plus up to $2k when I pick him up.) Hopefully we’ll get a solid diagnosis from this... they’re thinking lymphoma but hopefully the rest checks out and we can begin treatment.I’m not sure what the next steps will be bc it depends on his results and if they needed to perform CPR... I guess we’ll just figure it out when we get there. They said surgery or intensive treatment would be another $2k-$4k but we’re hoping that won’t be necessary.I don’t expect much bc it’s the holidays and I know everyone is strapped for money but anything truly helps. Even if you just send your best thoughts and vibes his way, I really believe it can help turn his luck. I’m trying my best but it’s been... a struggle.If you’ve ever met Jake, you know that he deserves much better than this. To be happy, fluffy, and huge again. I’m really hoping that we can treat everything and manage it. Thank you.
Update 12/24/17:
My Jake is finally home. His red blood cell count is improving with treatment which is a really good sign. His hospital bill was $6500 but at least he’s doing much better... it’s worth it. Please help us out if you can. I am immensely grateful for my family n friends right now❣️
Update 12/26/17:
So good news: we have a diagnosis and it’s not cancer. Bad news: it sucks and he may relapse during/after treatment, depending on the strength of the immune system... some cats don’t make it. Jake has severe histoplasmosis which is a rare fungal infection and were still waiting on the bone marrow results but those should be fine. He should be better after a few months of treatment so fingers crossed! Starting the antifungal meds after work today!
Organizer
Jenn Barnes
Organizer
The Woodlands, TX
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