Cookie's Story

On August 17, 2025, Cookie suddenly stopped eating and became quite lethargic, but after a visit to the emergency vet, I was told it was just nausea. However, she only got worse. On August 19, I took Cookie in to her regular vet for blood work, and results took a few days to come in.

On the morning of August 22, I received a call from my vet relaying extremely high kidney values, and that Cookie urgently needed to be admitted for tests. After extensive testing, they discovered that her kidneys were struggling, and there was obstruction in the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder). She was immediately sent to the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH) for a thorough evaluation and emergency surgery.

At QVSH, Cookie underwent an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed that both of her renal pelvises (the part of the kidneys where urine is collected) were abnormally dilated. More concerning, there was mineralised material (likely stones) in both ureters. On the right side, the obstruction was complete, and on the left side, it was partial. The blockage in her right ureter was causing a severe disruption in her kidney’s ability to filter waste, putting Cookie’s life at risk. Thankfully, after fluid therapy leading up to surgery, the left side showed some improvement, with the mineralised material disappearing, suggesting the partial obstruction had resolved. But the right-side blockage remained critical.

On August 24, Cookie underwent a major surgery to place a subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB), connecting the right kidney to the bladder, via small tubes, to allow passage of urine. A small port has been placed under the skin on the right side of the abdomen to allow flushing of the tubes. An oesophageal feeding tube and central line (intravenous catheter into the neck) were placed at the time of surgery to aid post-operative care and recovery. Surgery proceeded without complication, and Cookie recovered well from anaesthesia.

Her kidney values showed significant improvement, but she also developed a urinary tract infection, which was treated with antibiotics. After a month of intensive at-home care and monitoring, Cookie is finally starting to feel better. Her feeding tube was removed just over a week ago, and she's eating on her own again. She’s showing signs of improvement every day, though she was readmitted for one night after some lethargy post-discharge.

The Financial Burden

Despite having pet insurance, the costs have been overwhelming. Since I am paying in GBP, between the emergency tests, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up care, and medications, the total amount spent has already exceeded $20,000 USD, with roughly $17,500 (£13,250) still owed directly to the hospital. Cookie will need regular care moving forward, including having her SUB flushed every three months for the rest of her life. The financial strain is significant, and I’m reaching out to the kindness of others to help with these medical expenses.

I'm asking for support to help cover the remaining balance of Cookie’s treatment, and to ensure she continues receiving the care she needs for a long, healthy life. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference and help ease this overwhelming financial burden.

Thank you for helping give Cookie the second chance she deserves,

Angel & Cookie