Help Taako Get the Medical Care He Needs

I adopted Taako in July of 2023 and as a former stray tomcat we don't know his history from before that spring. But he's adapted to housecat life and is a sweet, patient, snuggly boy.

February 24th Taako lost his meow. I took him to the vet the next day and while the vet suggested an X-ray, we decided to hold off and monitor because of the cost, and because he was eating and drinking just fine. That night he started gagging at times. By the end of the week I decided to get him in for the X-rays. Saturday his breathing was labored and while the radiologist report said his only issue was asthma, our vet found him to be cyanotic and sent us to the emergency vet.

The emergency vet conducted a sedated check of Taako's throat and found ulcers on the very back of his tongue, enlarged lymph nodes, and polyp-like protrusions off his tonsils bilaterally. Thankfully an ultrasound did not find an obvious cancerous mass and no abscesses, so the emergency vet believes a viral infection is most likely. They sent us home with an antibiotic, steroid, and a decent bill.

Taako has improved on the medications but is still experiencing loud frequent swallowing, and isn't back to his normally playful self. Our regular vet has quoted $1200 for a sedated recheck of his throat, as well as biopsy and culture if deemed necessary. Then we will be able to assess what, if any, further treatment or medication is needed.

I'm a queer ND person working full time, living alone with no family support and chronic pain and fatigue, and money is tight. Even more so after already paying about $1500 for appointments, treatment, and medications so far. Any little bit helps me get Taako scheduled for a recheck and figure out the cause of his illness. He's only 5 and other than this and his new asthma diagnosis, he's a happy healthy boy.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and any help you're able to give us.