Emergency Surgery for Our Beloved Cat, Milo

We never thought such a little ball of fluff could so completely take over our hearts. Milo was born in our home and we couldn't imagine it without him.

It sounds cliche, but he is so much more than a cat! Milo is the sweetest floof of a soul (he thinks he's part dog). . .

...so our hearts were broken when we found out on Sunday, March 25, that without immediate medical intervention, Milo would die.

He had what is called a "linear foreign body"--something he swallowed that was acting like a saw inside his small intestine and would kill him without immediate surgery. It was heartbreaking to see him in so much pain, and we couldn't bear to lose him, so me made the decision to go ahead with surgery. The emergency surgery was successful, but expensive, as you may imagine. As a single mom, even the smallest amount helps! Thank you in advance for helping save our boy :)

Here is a cost rundown so far:

First I consulted with a former veterinarian in our neighborhood (free), then called a Telehealth veterinarian (free) who said, based on Milo's symptoms, that Milo needed to be seen by an emergency vet.

Next, I took Milo to UrgentVet in Farmington, where he was diagnosed with a linear foreign body and it was noted there was a string wrapped around the base of his tongue. They said that the situation would likely require emergency surgery based on Milo's symptoms and diagnosis, which they were not equipped for. Their fee to see and diagnose him was $125.00.

UrgentVet said that out of the two nearest emergency veterinary hospitals, Mountain West Veterinary Specialists in Layton would be the least expensive.

When I arrived with poor little Milo at Mountain West on Sunday evening, they took him back to assess him while I waited in a room. (more on this in a minute... while I retrieve the detailed breakdown)

Urgent Vet Farmington consultation and diagnosis of linear foreign body -- $125.00

Mountain West Veterinary Specialists

ER transfer consult -- $75.00

Gabapentin (pain medicine) --$7.35

IV catheter + Set up + Fluids Initial -- $244.30

Buprenorphine -- $29.60

Gabapentin -- $7.35

Radiographs 1 Region -- $260.00

Propofol injection -- $33.44

Radiographs -- no charge

Ampicillin and Sulbactam (antibiotics) --$30.63

Maropitant (Cerenia) Injectable -- $44.51

Lab: PCV/TS -- $32.27

Ampicillin and Sulbactam -- $30.63

Endoscopy Foreign Body -- $413.97

Injection -- $30.15

Total from Mountain West Veterinary -- $5,240.43