Help Save Leo: A Diabetic Cat’s Fight for Survival

Dear Friends, Family, and Animal Lovers,

We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits as we embark on a journey to save the life of our beloved feline companion, Leo. Leo has been a cherished member of our family since he was a kitten, in 2017, bringing us joy, comfort, and endless love. Unfortunately, Leo has recently fallen gravely ill due to complications from diabetes, leaving us devastated and in urgent need of assistance.

Leo was diagnosed with diabetes in March 2023, and since then, we have been diligently managing his condition with insulin injections, special dietary requirements, and regular veterinary care. Despite our best efforts, Leo recently took a turn for the worse, experiencing severe complications related to his diabetes.

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Leo was rushed to the vet due to a sudden decrease in energy and appetite. Tests results indicated low electrolytes, low potassium, and ketones in his urine, concluding a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. He underwent immediate treatment, receiving IV fluids to increase his electrolytes and potassium.

Due to the sensitive nature of diabetes, further investigation was necessary to rule out other contributing factors to his illness, such as cancer, infection, and parasites. Ultrasounds and blood tests thankfully revealed that Leo did not have tumors, HIV, or feline leukemia. To mitigate any potential infection, Leo was administered several antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.

By Saturday, Leo was showing signs of improvement, and we dared to hope that he could soon return home. However, our hopes were short-lived when on Sunday, blood was detected in his urine, and his red blood cell count began to decline rapidly. Despite our efforts and numerous attempts to boost his blood cell count through feeding, Leo’s condition continued to deteriorate.

It is suspected that Leo’s initial low potassium levels may have led to Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, a condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own red blood cells. On Tuesday, Leo’s condition became critical, and he required an emergency blood transfusion to survive.

As Leo fights for his life, the mounting medical expenses have placed an overwhelming burden on our family. The cost of Leo’s ongoing treatments, medications, and emergency interventions is beyond what we can manage alone. That’s why we are turning to our community for support in this desperate time of need.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a monumental difference in Leo’s fight for survival. Your generosity will directly fund Leo’s medical expenses, ensuring that he receives the lifesaving care he desperately needs to overcome this critical period and return home to us, where he belongs.

We understand that times are tough for many, but if you find it in your heart to donate, share our story, or offer words of encouragement, we would be forever grateful. Together, we can give Leo a fighting chance at a happy, healthy future.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion, support, and kindness during this challenging time.

With love and gratitude,

Jessica, family, and Leo