Help Our Kitty: Jason's Story
Donation protected
My husband and I would like to think that Jason's story is a bit different from other cat stories. Shortly after we moved into our home, a black cat started to approach us. Our neighbors informed us that there were a few "transient cats" that would beg for food. To others, this may have been an ordinary cat. For me, it was love at first sight.
This cat was jet black with emerald green eyes. I thought the cat was a boy. I initially just started to feed it and try to make its life easier. In retrospect, I should have immediately taken it to a clinic or nonprofit. I was foolish. And then something happened: her belly started to swell.
It was at this point that Mark and I realized that we had a pregnant mom and there was no way that we wouldn't care for her. We took her for veterinary care and on March 14, 2012, Salisbury had four healthy kittens. After she was finished nursing, she was spayed. Two kittens were adopted and two remained with us. One of those kittens is Jason.
Jason's Story
Jason first had urinary problems two or three years ago. He was lethargic and disinterested in food. We took him to our vet and thankfully, his condition was treated early. He wasn't fully blocked. He was sent home with medications and special prescription food.
In August 2019, Jason fully blocked and was unable to pass urine. This is a life threatening emergency. He was hospitalized for three days and released. We followed our vet's treatment recommendations, but the story didn't end there....
This past Tuesday, September 3, Hurricane Dorian was threatening Florida. Everything in our area was closed and I was off from work. I noticed that Jason wasn't keeping food down, and he eventually became lethargic. I knew he was blocked. My only option was to drive him to an emergency clinic that was opened. They confirmed our suspicions - blockage. He was treated and transferred to our regular vet the next morning.
On Wednesday afternoon, I received a phone call from my husband. Jason was in critical condition and would pass away. It was suspected that either his bladder or urethra had ruptured. Our choices were to put him down or drive him to a specialist. We chose the latter.
After specialized diagnostics, the specialist confirmed that Jason would need emergency surgery or he would die. His kidney values were already poor. The estimated cost for diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalization are between $6,000-$7,000. This is in addition to his prior hospitalizations, which have already surpassed $2,000.
This was an extremely difficult decision. The ER vet felt confident that Jason could have a normal life after this ordeal. After careful deliberation, we proceeded with surgery. During surgery, about 50% of his bladder was removed, as well as his spleen.
Jason is still in the ICU. His kidney values has returned to normal, his urine output is regular, and he is eating. After he is stable, he will need to undergo a second surgery to enlarge his urethra - it is nicknamed a PU surgery.
Mark and I simply cannot afford all of these expenses. We have applied for CareCredit, used credit cards, and will be selling some of our belongings.
This is so hard for us to even do...we are proud people who prefer to help instead of ask for help. Anything you are able to contribute is so deeply appreciated. Thank you for reading Jason's story.
This cat was jet black with emerald green eyes. I thought the cat was a boy. I initially just started to feed it and try to make its life easier. In retrospect, I should have immediately taken it to a clinic or nonprofit. I was foolish. And then something happened: her belly started to swell.
It was at this point that Mark and I realized that we had a pregnant mom and there was no way that we wouldn't care for her. We took her for veterinary care and on March 14, 2012, Salisbury had four healthy kittens. After she was finished nursing, she was spayed. Two kittens were adopted and two remained with us. One of those kittens is Jason.
Jason's Story
Jason first had urinary problems two or three years ago. He was lethargic and disinterested in food. We took him to our vet and thankfully, his condition was treated early. He wasn't fully blocked. He was sent home with medications and special prescription food.
In August 2019, Jason fully blocked and was unable to pass urine. This is a life threatening emergency. He was hospitalized for three days and released. We followed our vet's treatment recommendations, but the story didn't end there....
This past Tuesday, September 3, Hurricane Dorian was threatening Florida. Everything in our area was closed and I was off from work. I noticed that Jason wasn't keeping food down, and he eventually became lethargic. I knew he was blocked. My only option was to drive him to an emergency clinic that was opened. They confirmed our suspicions - blockage. He was treated and transferred to our regular vet the next morning.
On Wednesday afternoon, I received a phone call from my husband. Jason was in critical condition and would pass away. It was suspected that either his bladder or urethra had ruptured. Our choices were to put him down or drive him to a specialist. We chose the latter.
After specialized diagnostics, the specialist confirmed that Jason would need emergency surgery or he would die. His kidney values were already poor. The estimated cost for diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalization are between $6,000-$7,000. This is in addition to his prior hospitalizations, which have already surpassed $2,000.
This was an extremely difficult decision. The ER vet felt confident that Jason could have a normal life after this ordeal. After careful deliberation, we proceeded with surgery. During surgery, about 50% of his bladder was removed, as well as his spleen.
Jason is still in the ICU. His kidney values has returned to normal, his urine output is regular, and he is eating. After he is stable, he will need to undergo a second surgery to enlarge his urethra - it is nicknamed a PU surgery.
Mark and I simply cannot afford all of these expenses. We have applied for CareCredit, used credit cards, and will be selling some of our belongings.
This is so hard for us to even do...we are proud people who prefer to help instead of ask for help. Anything you are able to contribute is so deeply appreciated. Thank you for reading Jason's story.
Organizer
Sara Goldstein
Organizer
Delray Beach, FL
