If you know me, you know Tagalong. He is the sweetest cat I have ever owned, and I'm always bragging about it. He loves people, loves belly pets, greets friends at the door, follows around repair men, and will ask anyone for uppies.

He's around 13 now now, and has always been very healthy. However, he's had a very decline in health and we have no idea why. Just over the course of the last month, he's gone from completely normal to barely being able to walk. We noticed a limp around the 10th of December, and by the time we got back from a family holiday trip on the 15th, he was dragging his leg and unable to jump onto the bed anymore. He needs assistance urinating and can barely defecate. Both of his legs are very weak now, and as I'm writing this, I'm noticing some weakness in a front leg as well. It's definitely only getting worse. He can barely walk, if at all, now. All of this just in time to be broke during the holidays.

In the time since our return from the trip, he's had X-rays done at our usual veternarian's office, but they only found some mild arthritis, and as he was continuing to deteriorate, they referred us to a specialist. The specialist and their neurology department both agree that there is something likely wrong with his spine, and he will need an MRI. This is very expensive, but not only that; if they find something operable, he will be put into surgery immediately, and those costs will be added as well. Essentially, consenting to the MRI is consenting to the possibility of the cost more than doubling.

The two most likely outcomes are a herniated disc, or cancer. The former means he will need surgery, the latter means we will more than likely be making some hard decisions and just making sure he's comfortable.

I've gotten estimates from the clinic we visited, and from another clinic two hours away. These are the only two within driving distance that offer MRIs. Both locations seem to be in a similar price range. The MRI would be around 3.5 to 4.5k, and the (hypothetical) hemilaminectomy would bring it up to a low-end estimated total of 9.5k and a high-end estimate of 10.8k

I am inclined to assume we will have to pay more towards the high-end estimate no matter what, because this does not include any post-surgery medications or the associated costs of caring for him afterwards.

Our entire household lives essentially paycheck-to-paycheck right now, and bills are coming due at the end of the month all the same. Any help would be appreciated.

I love my baby boy so, so, much and I want to do everything I possibly can to save him.

All donations will go towards these things, in order of financial availability:

- Scans, surgery, medications

- Car maintenance in case we need to make 4-hour round trips

- Home care items like pill pockets and puppy pads

- Recovering costs already spent from previous testing

- Rent, utilities, etc

Some funding scenarios for transparency:

If we do not hit the goal: Any given funds can be used to recoup the costs of previous appointments, consultations, and testing. We can continue to afford pain medication to keep him comfortable for as long as he's still with us, or to possibly slow the degeneration.

If we hit the goal but it is not a disc issue: Previous costs can still be recouped, and we'll be able to worry less about costs associated with what does need to be done after that point. It could be other procedures or putting him down. Anything that can help with regular bills will be greatly appreciated too, as those are going to be tough this month.

Absolute Minimum Goal: If we raise at least $6,800, that will be just enough to scrape together the cash without draining my entire account, combined with Care Credit, to at least get him in the door as fast as possible.

I realize this is A LOT, and getting it all funded is a serious long-shot. But any little bit helps. Thank you.