Help Oscar with his pneumothorax diagnosis

Hello everyone, thank you for reading Oscar’s story.

 We found Oscar on Sunday May 19, laying in the rain next to some trash cans. He was severely malnourished, infested with fleas, struggling to breathe, and had puncture wounds on either side of his ribs (presumably from a dog attack). With zero hesitation, he followed us home and has been with us ever since. I think he knew he needed our help.

 The next morning we took Oscar to the vet. They treated him for worms, fleas, and gave us antibiotics for his wounds. They told us his labored breathing could be a sign that whatever attacked him had punctured his chest cavity, but we wouldn’t know for sure until we did X-rays.

Well, Oscar’s follow up appointment was May 25. The vet performed a couple X-rays and we got the news we dreaded most: his chest cavity had been punctured. The X-rays showed the puncture wounds as well as the air that subsequently entered the cavity. This air is pressing on his lungs which explains his labored breathing. It has also filled his stomach with excess air which has caused his esophagus to enlarge. This causes him to gag and choke as he wheezes for air.

 The vet told us we have two options: Thoracentesis or a Thoracostomy. The vet believes Oscar is too weak to survive a thoracostomy, so our only real option is to attempt Thoracentesis. This is where the vet sticks a hollow needle into his chest cavity to release the built up air. The vet told us there is a chance it won’t work the first time (hopefully not the case), but she would only try it twice before suggesting we go a different route. Unfortunately the only other route from that point is the one we don’t want to consider…

 Thoracentesis can cost anywhere between $500-$1500 per procedure. It looks like his first procedure is going to be Tuesday, May 28, if we can come up with the funds in time. That being said, any and every contribution or share is greatly appreciated. We just want him to be okay.

Despite his obvious discomfort, Oscar is in the best of spirits. He has a huge personality and is extremely loving. He snuggles with us, is eating & drinking (and stealing the food off our plates…damn trash cat), and going potty regularly. We are just trying to keep him as happy and comfortable as possible no matter how this plays out.

 If you have made it this far, thank you. We may not be able to make a difference for every stray cat in the world, but we can make a difference for this one. He deserves it.