Akima is Ashley's beautiful, sweet furkid with the most soulful, wise, green eyes and the softest rabbit down fur. She and Ashley's other cat Zane haven't been apart for even a day in the last 16 years. Last Saturday, Akima wasn't with the other cats to yell at Ashley to get up and feed them breakfast. She proceeded to throw up bile multiple times throughout the day so Ashley took Akima to the emergency vet that night, just 12 hours after noticing her symtpoms. Unfortunately, the ER was so busy that Akima couldn't be seen for another 12 hours, at which point it was confirmed that she had pancreatitis and her body was in sepsis from a huge infection.

Akima has now been in the ICU for 6 days on 2 different antibiotics, fluids, pain meds, nausea medication, blood pressure medication and glucose. She seemed to be improving the first few days but has hit a plateau and she hasn't eaten at all, even when Ashley tried to coax her. Today, Friday, Akima was placed on a feeding tube and has spiked a small fever. The vet is still cautiously optimistic for a full recovery but Ashley is out of funds, never having imagined Akima would have to be in the ICU for so long.

The vet would like to keep Akima on the feeding tube for a couple days to build up her strength, and is also awaiting the results of the bacterial culture to pinpoint the best antibiotic to fight her infection. Unfortunately, the medical bills so far have already maxed out Ashley's credit resources. As of yesterday, Ashley has already spent $5900 in required deposits toward a bill estimated to be at least $7900 but likely upwards of $9500.

Any contribution whatsoever would be so helpful and so would passing this GoFundMe link around so that other animal lovers and Ashley supporters can help. If you'd prefer donating directly to  AVES, you can contact them and donate towards Akima Niels. Their contact info is below:

Austin Veterinary Emergency & Speciality
austinvets.com
512-343-2837