Help Me Fix My Jenna Bear, Please.
Donation protected
Two weeks ago, I came home from work to find my cat laid out
on the back porch floor completely lethargic and nearly unresponsive. I brought her
to the vet the following day to get checked out and all of her results came
back good. So they sent us on our way.
For the next two days, she continued on a path of lethargy. She wouldn't come out of the closet or eat or drink any fluids. When normally the gal is an extremely active, loving and social kitty.
I brought her back to the vet to get checked out more the following Saturday. They stated they could run some additional tests, including an x-ray and some pancreas testing. Plus give her some additional nausea meds. Upon return from the x-rays though, the Doc seemed extremely serious.
She advised us that heart appeared to be two and half times the size it should be. Jenna is also a very small and lean cat, so it was apparent it was uncharacteristically large. She suggested we see a cardiologist as soon as possible. She stated that there were none in the area that were able to do an ultra sound except for emergency type clinics and we were going to need to see a specialist.
The Doc told us it was possible she could just pass and to be prepared for that. I'm pretty sure my heart broke, but I was in a bit of a daze.
They provided her with the nausea meds, but did not want to give fluids due to the size of her heart. They gave me the number for the MSU Vet nary Hospital in Lansing and we left.
I scheduled an appointment with MSU and brought her in. They performed the ultra sound and were gone for quite some time. When they came back they explained that what she has a congenital condition, something that the doctor had only seen minimally. What were originally under the impression was an enlarged heart, was actually her heart resting on top of her liver. Her liver has squirmed its way through her diaphragm and is located inside her chest cavity. It is crowding her heart and her lungs making it difficult to breathe and extremely nauseous in times of distress. This time the distress was caused by the heat.
The Doctor told me to get the surgery done as soon as possible, as a following episode could be a crisis/fatal one. They advised me the surgery is an easy one. That she will have a quick healing time and that the risks are minimal.
However, it can be up to $3500.00. There aren't payment options available.
So here I am, asking my friends, family and the wide open webz for help.
Funny, I found her exactly two years ago today. I found that adorable kitten picture on Petfinder the night prior and emailed the shelter at about 2 am that morning. By 10 am, they hadn't responded yet and it was making me insane. I called them. They told me I could come meet her, but they closed at 5 PM. I had to work until 6, I knew there was no way to make it, unless I left work. The shelter let me know I could come meet her on the following Tuesday, AFTER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. I begrudgingly said OK, and hung up the phone.
I couldn't stop thinking about the lil girl. The idea that she would be there all weekend. The idea that someone might snatch her up from underneath me. I couldn't bare it. Sooo, I told my boss I HAD to leave early. I HAD to go meet this kitten and more than likely bring her home.
I went. We met. I was filling out the paperwork within 20 minutes. There was no question that I needed to bring her home with me that very day.
I'm so worried. She's the gal I come home to. I love her so much. She's so quirky and special. She plays fetch and actually comes when she is called to. She loves to play in water. She waits for me to come home while sleeping next to the door.
I've included a link to her hospital discharge also. In case you are interested in reading about her condition. Or maybe just have more questions. Or just want to be sure about the validity of the need.
MSU Hospital Discharge
Any assistance is appreciated. If we are lucky enough to raise the whole goal, I would be incredibly relieved. If there are any funds in excess of her surgery and after care costs, I will be donating to Crash's Landing.
Thanks for taking the time to read our story.
For the next two days, she continued on a path of lethargy. She wouldn't come out of the closet or eat or drink any fluids. When normally the gal is an extremely active, loving and social kitty.
I brought her back to the vet to get checked out more the following Saturday. They stated they could run some additional tests, including an x-ray and some pancreas testing. Plus give her some additional nausea meds. Upon return from the x-rays though, the Doc seemed extremely serious.
She advised us that heart appeared to be two and half times the size it should be. Jenna is also a very small and lean cat, so it was apparent it was uncharacteristically large. She suggested we see a cardiologist as soon as possible. She stated that there were none in the area that were able to do an ultra sound except for emergency type clinics and we were going to need to see a specialist.
The Doc told us it was possible she could just pass and to be prepared for that. I'm pretty sure my heart broke, but I was in a bit of a daze.
They provided her with the nausea meds, but did not want to give fluids due to the size of her heart. They gave me the number for the MSU Vet nary Hospital in Lansing and we left.
I scheduled an appointment with MSU and brought her in. They performed the ultra sound and were gone for quite some time. When they came back they explained that what she has a congenital condition, something that the doctor had only seen minimally. What were originally under the impression was an enlarged heart, was actually her heart resting on top of her liver. Her liver has squirmed its way through her diaphragm and is located inside her chest cavity. It is crowding her heart and her lungs making it difficult to breathe and extremely nauseous in times of distress. This time the distress was caused by the heat.
The Doctor told me to get the surgery done as soon as possible, as a following episode could be a crisis/fatal one. They advised me the surgery is an easy one. That she will have a quick healing time and that the risks are minimal.
However, it can be up to $3500.00. There aren't payment options available.
So here I am, asking my friends, family and the wide open webz for help.
Funny, I found her exactly two years ago today. I found that adorable kitten picture on Petfinder the night prior and emailed the shelter at about 2 am that morning. By 10 am, they hadn't responded yet and it was making me insane. I called them. They told me I could come meet her, but they closed at 5 PM. I had to work until 6, I knew there was no way to make it, unless I left work. The shelter let me know I could come meet her on the following Tuesday, AFTER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. I begrudgingly said OK, and hung up the phone.
I couldn't stop thinking about the lil girl. The idea that she would be there all weekend. The idea that someone might snatch her up from underneath me. I couldn't bare it. Sooo, I told my boss I HAD to leave early. I HAD to go meet this kitten and more than likely bring her home.
I went. We met. I was filling out the paperwork within 20 minutes. There was no question that I needed to bring her home with me that very day.
I'm so worried. She's the gal I come home to. I love her so much. She's so quirky and special. She plays fetch and actually comes when she is called to. She loves to play in water. She waits for me to come home while sleeping next to the door.
I've included a link to her hospital discharge also. In case you are interested in reading about her condition. Or maybe just have more questions. Or just want to be sure about the validity of the need.
MSU Hospital Discharge
Any assistance is appreciated. If we are lucky enough to raise the whole goal, I would be incredibly relieved. If there are any funds in excess of her surgery and after care costs, I will be donating to Crash's Landing.
Thanks for taking the time to read our story.
Organizer
Cythena Hoadley
Organizer
Grand Rapids, MI
