This fundraiser is a battle against a viral mutation of a coronavirus in cats, called Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This is for Hogan, a cat who has helped train many dogs over the years, and who is friends with dog people as well as cat people. He's helped foster pets get trained for their new homes, and he's been a strange and remarkable character since he was found in a park in his kittenhood, unclaimed but known to neighbors.

This is for Hogan's person, Chrystal, who helps people with pets, and has been going through a lot, noticed his behavior was off, and got him to the vet. She found out that he had gone blind. While waiting for answers in his blood work, just days later, she had to rush him to VEG ER because he was foaming blood from his mouth.

He was calm by the time they arrived. Almost his usual self. While waiting for test results from the other vet, he had a seizure. Apparently, the blood was from a bitten tongue in an earlier one. That was stabilized. But when the Idexx arrived, there was nothing that explained the seizures.

Before the end of the day, Hogan would have another seizure, more medication, get taken to a second ER for a same day neurological consult, and fall into a comatose state. Chrystal went through this whirlwind trying to get information and put him first, despite the emotional toll.

While she was contemplating life without him in the ER room, a friend called to check on them. She heard that the differential was a brain tumor or neurological FIP. She happened to be involved with a rescue doing an FIP treatment program and offered to get Hogan in.

With little to lose, Hogan was released with supporting medications and instructions.

Initially after the day of seizures and diagnosis, Hogan needed to be fed and hydrated by syringe every 2 hours, because he had a swallow reflex but not much else. He wasn't suffering. He was just out of it.

His first injection was at 11pm. Having been told that cats responded to this within the first week, Chrystal decided to give it 3 days. If there wasn't improvement, she would take him for final care. She made notes. She had his head propped up to reduce pressure. At 5am, after the 445 session, Hogan got up and tried to walk off the bed.

She was amazed at his determination and put him on the floor. One hand in a cast from a broken finger, she didn't want to risk him falling. She took pictures and a short video as he rapidly paced around the room. She called the ER. The same vet was on duty, very surprised, and said that he should be okay but too much could trigger a seizure. So after Hogan had had a chance to walk around more, she put him back in his place on the bed, and he went into a normal sleep.

She kept up the schedule. His next shot was given around 11am. Some were surprised he made a through the night. Later that morning, he got up again. And he began eating and drinking on his own.

His seizure meds made him groggy, but he was definitely coming around. Within days, Chrystal needed help because he was fighting the liquid medicine she had been able to give him with one hand. For years she had helped foster and assisted others with medication of cats, but now when her own cat was in need, she was not able to give pills or shots or even liquid. He needed things around the clock.

Many people helped, but hiring someone who had specific skills became necessary for some shifts. In addition to tips and trick for cat handling, she added equipment like a bag, scale, and upgraded devices for pilling. Hogan wasn't thrilled with all of it, but likes people and attention.

Soon , people noticed that he seemed to be seeing again. It appears that he is regaining his vision. One positive reinforcement is getting carried outdoors in the bag to look at trees and birds.

He's going to need three more blood tests, and the treatment lasts 84 days. No matter what, Hogan and Chrystal are teaching people about cat care and about FIP now. Hogan is hanging out more and more with his dog friends again. Chrystal got the cast off, but won't have full use of the hand for a long time. Every day is an adventure.

Updates will continue. This fundraiser has allowed Chrystal to give Hogan the kind of care she has given to rescue pets and her own pets in the past . Everyone's support and goodwill are treasured.

Update:

Hogan's blood test indicated that he is borderline anemic. Diet changes are being made.

If he can get stable enough, then he can take pills instead of shots.

There will more blood tests to monitor this and we hope he responds to the supplements. Otherwise, he might need more serious medical support during treatment.

Original post:

Our friend Chrystal is doing her very best to care for Hogan. Sometimes knowing how best to care for our companion, animals cost a lot. Let’s help Chrystal focus on Hogan by taking some of the financial burden off of her while she does that. Give what you can. Everything is appreciated.