Resolve Fern's Obstipation UPDATE: Fighting FIP

UPDATE 3/21

We figured out that Fern's constipation issues were caused by congenital hypothyroidism, but now we're fighting a second battle: FIP.

Fern (5 months old now) was doing really well on the levothyroxine, lactulose, and cisapride. He began to lose his baby fur, he played more, and he even gained a couple ounces! His bowel movements still aren't totally regular but they're improving.

However, Fern began having labored breathing two days ago. He wasn't eating or drinking as much as he should. He's uncomfortable and out of energy. I got him a vet appointment today which resulted in us determining that he developed FIP--an extremely deadly virus that is one of the most misunderstood in cats. He has fluid built up around his chest and abdomen, restricting his breathing. It's assumed that this can happen in cats that experience trauma or stress and have a lowered immune system. This probably developed from going under anesthesia twice.

We've seen this before but we've caught it early enough that we can attempt a treatment that is not FDA approved in the states, but is used with amazing results in other countries. This treatment is expensive. We are extremely lucky that he is so small that he only requires a fourth of what an adult cat would require. The drug alone from MaxPaw is going to cost us ~$640 with the dosage increasing as he gains weight. He will take this drug in the form of an injection every day for the next 84 days, and then go into an observation period for another 84 days. He will also require monthly bloodwork which is another couple hundred dollars. There is also a small chance that he will relapse and need a second round of injections.

I'm really, really distraught over this. We've already gone through so much only for things to get worse, but I'm hopeful. We caught it very early and it won't be a fortune to treat.

Within just an hour of this diagnosis I met with a local volunteer for Fern's first vial of this life saving medication. It's thick and burns when injected so this is going to be very hard for us, but I am determined to do everything I possibly can to save Fern's life. He got his first dose today and should start improving right away.

My family is facing financial struggles right now and I don't have a stable income so we need all of the support we can get.

I am so very thankful for the kind strangers that have donated so far. If it weren't for your generosity, Fern may not be here today. Anything extra will go toward the other rescue cats in my mom and I's care.

Previous fundraiser:

Resolve Fern's Obstipation

Hello! This is Fern. He is currently about 5 months (EDIT: 4 months**) old and was found under a bush at just a week old in early November. I received him at two weeks old and have been raising him since! He is small for his age but has SO MUCH love to give. He enjoys sitting in front of your face to give thoughtful rubs on your cheek and mouth. He doesn't purr, but "urfs" instead.

Fern is already very important to me because he was an orphan bottle-baby that I raised by hand, but also because my family has been losing many fosters lately--including our foster-fails. I've lost two of my previous bottle babies since August. Fern is truly all that we have left.

This started about two weeks ago when I noticed that he wasn't interested in his kibble. Since then, he's been having bouts of constipation where he'll only pass a little stool or none at all. Last weekend I realized that he was obstipated, and I was able to bring him to a vet for a procedure under anesthesia to manually remove the stool. I was VERY anxious about him going under so young, but he did just fine. He had this done on the 22nd, four days ago. The evening after his procedure he was able to pass NORMAL stool! At a normal diameter as well, because megacolon is a concern. But nothing since then. He has been straining in the litter box multiple times a day. I have been giving him enemas, laxatives, pumpkin, psyllium husk, subq fluids, very watered down food, but still nothing. I've been trying to limit his food intake as much as possible as to not overload his system. His colon and intestines are full of stool and he can't go much longer without relief.

Tomorrow, Monday, clinics open and I will start calling around first thing in the morning to get him in for an appointment. I want to look into lactulose and cisapride as well as another deobstipation if necessary. His little body can only go through so much so I want to get this resolved as soon as possible.

My funds are draining very quickly. I live at home with my low income parents and I don't make much. I was approved for a $1000 line with CareCredit but I've already used half of it for Fern's first deobstipation--which was over $500 including xrays and anesthesia, and that was WITH a 20% discount through this clinic due to low income.

The goal is $1500 to cover another deobstipation, xrays, medication, and any other emergencies relating to his bowel issues. Anything left over will go to the other rescues in my care. Thank you for reading <3