Support Mazikeen's Life-Saving Surgery

Mazikeen came to us last November, right before the holidays, and what a treasured gift she has been! But, she had a respiratory infection when we brought her home which was later found to have been caused by feline herpes. The feline herpes is not contagious, but we were informed that it would likely lower her immune system over her lifetime. The vet said she would be able to live a normal life but might get more respiratory infections than most cats if she got stressed. She's been entertaining us every single day and a light in our lives ever since. She’s been a ball of fire! Until last week.

Mazikeen became lethargic, stopped eating hard food and wouldn't let anyone touch her mouth. We got her to the vet ASAP, hoping it was a simple tooth infection. She was quickly diagnosed with stomatitis.

We were informed that she needed to have all her teeth pulled in order to save her life from this autoimmune disease that would likely claim her life eventually if left untreated. We were quoted around $3,700 for the tooth extraction surgery that Mazikeen needed.

The veterinary dental surgeon got 3/4 of the way through the surgery when Mazikeen's heart went into arrhythmia. The vet immediately consulted OSU's veterinary cardiologist who walked her through reversing any of the sedative meds that could be problematic and also told her what medications to try in order to stabilize her. They had to keep Mazikeen overnight to treat the continuing arrhythmia and she requires a full cardiac work up at OSU Hospital of Veterinary Medicine before they can proceed with her Stomatitis surgery. She will still need to have the rest of her teeth extracted, but the doctor said she may have to be on heart medications for a while in order to get the heart functioning properly before she can go under anesthesia again. Mazikeen may also have to be on cardiac medications for the rest of her life.

These added complications have turned what had once been a difficult but manageable financial strain into a tremendously overwhelming emotional and financial burden. $3,700 has grown to be $5,800+ in vet bills and added expense and that doesn’t even include any heart medications that Mazikeen might have to take for the rest of her life.

Anything anyone is willing to donate to help pay for these lifesaving treatments would help immensely. We are so lost on what to do financially with this situation, but Mazikeen is barely a year old and has been such a precious part of every single day since we brought her home. She is our precious baby cat! Please, every little bit helps. All funds recieved will be going towards paying for Vet bills for Mazikeen's medications, cardiac procedures and oral surgery. Thank you so much in advance for any support or kind words people can offer.

Sincerely, Tamara, Rick and Mazikeen.