Hey guys, Ari and I hate doing this but could really use some help. Our 4-year old cat Dinky boy has been sick the last few days. Yesterday (Wednesday, Dec 3rd) after work we realized he did not eat his dinner and it was accompanied by extreme lethargy and very rapid, shallow breathing.

We immediately brought him to Cornell where they conducted chest x rays and noticed fluid in his chest cavity. The fluid was extracted and has been diagnosed as a life-threatening condition called Pyothorax.

Pyothorax is the presence of inflammatory fluid or pus within the chest cavity, which is the area between the lungs and the inner walls of the ribs. Pyothorax is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the chest cavity. The source of the infection is rarely found, but treatable in a majority of cats.

The wonderful team at Cornell is surgically inserting chest tubes to help drain the fluid and to flush antibiotics throughout the chest cavity. This requires multiple days of overnight care and constant antibiotics and clinician monitoring.

The treatment is very expensive, and we are expecting 8-10k in vet bills. The condition is treatable in the majority of cats and does not seem to be caused by any fatal underlying condition.

Dinky is the sweetest and friendliest of cats. Our house is so quiet without him. He follows you around like a dog, cuddles you when you need loving. Plays fetch with his toy mouse and tries to gettable scraps as you cook dinner like he’s a human too. Our sweet boy is only 4 years old so euthanasia was not a consideration as the condition is treatable. I hope you fellow animal lovers will understand.

I know times are tough, and it’s the holiday season. But asking for any support you are able to give. Please share if you are unable to donate. We just want our dinky boy back home and healthy. ♥️