Chud recently had bloodwork done and was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Normal blood sugar for cats ranges from 80-120 and Chud's is at 627. We also learned that Chud had an elevated BNP(blood test that measures heart muscle stretch and stress). BNP levels over 270 indicate moderate to severe heart disease, levels of 400-500 indicate high-risk cardiac stretch and congestive heart failure. Chud's BNP came back elevated at over 700. The vet is recommending an echocardiogram(heart ultrasound) which will help to get a detailed look at Chud's heart structure and function. From there, the vet will be able to tell us what medications to pursue. It will cost around $900 for just the echocardiogram itself.

Chud will be starting on new medication(Senvelgo) to treat his diabetes, which is roughly $160 for a month and a half's supply, and he will require follow up appointments for several weeks(5 appointments total) costing $176 each.

Allison and I both plan on contributing to making all of this happen for him, but trying to afford all of this while also keeping him on the medication and prescription food he's been on for urinary issues since 2023 feels almost impossible. However, even at 14 years old and with all the health issues mentioned, Chud is still active, energetic, affectionate, loves being pet and receiving attention, waits for us at the door when we come home and hasn't been showing signs of pain or discomfort at all.

We love him so much and simply aren't ready to give up on him when he still seems to be his normal self at all times. Everyone that's met Chud loves him, and knows what a sweet boy he is. He really is my best friend and any help getting him back in better shape would be more than appreciated. I understand that he is in his senior years and that the time for heartbreak will come for me eventually, but I rescued Chud in 2017 when he was 6, and ever since I've felt that it's my responsibility to give him the life he deserves and make sure that he spends the rest of his days calm and comfortable. With as much as Chud has gotten me through without even knowing it, the thought of not being able to save him anymore very much scares me. I owe it to him to do all I can. If you've read all of this, it means more than you know, thank you so much.

- Austin