Please help save Bean! (Liver shunt surgery)

Hi, my name is MacKenzie and anyone who knows me knows that I’m OBSESSED with my two cats, Flynn and Bean. They bring me so much joy every single day. Bean is a super special cat with the cuddliest, sweetest personality. Unfortunately, I recently found out that Bean has a liver shunt. This condition is fatal if left untreated.

I adopted Bean from PAWS Chicago in November 2021. When I adopted him I was told that he had “liver issues” but that he would “outgrow” them with dietary supplements. Unfortunately, thanks to my diligent vet, I learned that this was not the case. Bean was born with this fatal condition and PAWS did not conduct the proper testing to rule out a liver shunt.

A liver shunt is a rare condition in cats. Essentially, Bean’s blood is not being properly purified in his liver and it is slowly poisoning him. If left untreated Bean will experience painful seizures and other neurological symptoms before eventually passing away. It’s not certain how long he will live, but cats with liver shunts usually live to about two years old. Bean is currently 11 months.

Bean and my other cat, Flynn, might as well be from the same litter. They are so bonded and do absolutely everything together. I’m very lucky that both cats feel so bonded to me. Bean often sits on my lap while working at my desk. Every single night he gets under the covers and cuddles by my legs. He is a fan favorite at each vet he visits because of his curious, sweet, and cuddly attitude. Bean is truly a special cat and I’m going to do everything in my power to save him.

The vet would like to perform surgery in two weeks (Around 4/18/22). The surgery will cost $7,000 - $9,000. I have already spent about $3,000 on diagnostic tests and a CT scan. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money to pay for the surgery upfront as required.

I will send updates on Bean’s recovery to anyone who donates. If you wish to receive updates, please Direct Message your email to @flynnandbeanarecool69 on Instagram and I will add you to a Bean listserv! I will also post updates to this GoFundMe.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and a huge thank you if you donated. Any little bit helps. I really cannot express my gratitude enough.

Below is a breakdown of actual and expected costs.

Costs

Liver chemistries, 2/19/22

$169.80 (Actual)

Bile acids panel, 2/23/22

$196.85 (Actual)

CT scan, 4/5/22

$2,344.82 (Actual)

Liver shunt surgery

$7,000-$9,000 (Expected)

Total

$9,711.47-$11,711.47

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Bean, including some that the vet took with him (: