Save Merlin: Urgent Surgery Needed

It feels strange to be back here, but life has a way of coming full circle <3 Merlin is once again in need of critical assistance. Every single time he has run up against a health challenge, he has come through with what can only be described as a fierce and magical recovery. I know he can do it again. His E-tube has taken the pressure off his digestive system, allowing his liver to begin the healing process. He is eating and drinking on his own. His 'yellow cat' (jaundice) appearance has nearly resolved, and his blood level liver functions are heading back towards normal. Now, we need to address the root cause of his current situation - a small growth in his small intestine.

The oncologist was reticent to do an ultrasound guided biopsy for two reasons. First, the mass is 'aggravated'. It is already working its way into the actual lining of the intestines, meaning that the procedure itself could instigate a rupture. The second reason is that the needle biopsy pulls out a very small amount of cells, meaning that if they don't hit just the right area, the results could be inconclusive anyway.

Where does that leave us? If Merlin does not have surgery soon - like in the next week or so - it is likely that he will die, either due to complete blockage, or because the mass ruptures on its own. With the surgery, we can clear out the mass, allowing the resumption of food and meds to move freely through his system. It also allows us to fully test the mass to determine exactly what it is.

I'm not going to mince words here. Merlin could die any minute. He could die during the surgery. He could also aurvive the surgery and then die from post surgical complications.

So why would i even consider surgery as an option?

Merlin has proven himself over and over again to be a fighter. I was told the day I found him that euthanasia might be the best choice for him. Since then, it has been suggested at least three other times - most recently with his liver failure. Obviously, the boy has something to live for, because every time we've given him the chance, he makes it through. Merlin is also different in the way he feels pain. He has sensation of some kind in his bottom half, but it cannot really be described as pain. The normal 'suffering' that some cats in his condition might experience are not as much of a factor with Merlin. Even during his most recent brush with death, he simply slept more. When he is awake, he pretty much does his Merlin thing like he always has.

That's it in a nutshell. If you have questions about him, his daily routine, his current condition, or anything at all, please reach out. I will do my best to respond and will be as candid as possible <3

Two more pieces to consider - I pledge here and on social media that everything collected here (or through Venmo and Paypal) will go directly to this surgery, any necessary pre-surgical testing and evaluation, and then his recovery. If we do not raise the funds needed, everything will be refunded. If he passes before he can get in for surgery, everything will be refunded. This is only for him. If you prefer, I can pass these funds on to our local shelter here, or set up a Merlin Memorial Fund with our local pet ER to help others in similar situations. Please add a note to your donations - * for refund, $ for paying it forward.

Thank you all in advance for once again stepping up for Merlin. He has always had a bit of magic around him, and I feel like he has more adventures in store. It is not without irony that we as a country find ourselves in similar circumstances as we were in when I found him in 2016. I sincerely hope that his story and fight inspires you to remember that there is still good in the world, and there are still things you can do to make the world a better place.

Much love <3