Augustus (Auggie) is a 3 y/o cat who developed anemia, lethargy, anorexia, and a high fever in December. He's also one of my best friends. After little success with local vets near Orlando, we took him to the University of Florida Veterinary Clinic on Christmas 2024. They saved his life, but they haven't been able to nail down a diagnosis despite repeated tests. Recent results revealed a weak positive for Bartonella, but his condition seems autoimmune-mediated.

He was home and doing so well on prolonged antibiotic therapy until 2/13. We took him back to UF with all the same symptoms. They once again helped him. He's currently (2/16) on a steroid cycle along with the antibiotics to address the Bartonella and the unknown autoimmune condition.

The problem is that we've put nearly $20,000 into his medical care. This is money well worth it, and I'd happily pay ten times that if it were spread out over a longer time period. Our credit cards are nearing their limits, and we're not liquid on cash. So, I'm asking for any donations toward the $12,000 we've put on our Care Credit card. I personally appreciate anything you can offer, and I'll gladly offer you labor or repayment in kind, if we can just get some of these cards paid down to make room in case he has another flareup.

The UF folks have been incredibly kind, patient, loving, and competent. They are a teaching school, so the students, residents, and professors meet regularly to discuss rare cases. Auggie is one of those rare cases. Bartonella doesn't often cause serious issues in cats, and his autoimmune condition is unclear at this point. Not for want of searching. He has been tested, prodded, and transfused repeatedly over the last two months. We're working with them to see if there are any financial options, but I won't let my cat suffer because I was too prideful to ask for help for him.

Please. Anything you can offer is a massive help.

Travis Rodgers