Help with Rufus's Final Medical Expenses

UPDATE: We did everything we could, but never really understood what happened to Rufus. Unfortunately, he slipped into a coma on Friday, Sept 13 and passed away peacefully at home 12-hours later. Jinx and I are really devastated. Jinx won't leave my side. This illness and death happened very suddenly and we will mourn this loss for a long time.

We still need your support because even though Rufus is gone, the vet bills remain. If you are able to donate anything, it is greatly appreciated.

Final Costs

ER Vet (initial exam and tests) - $774

Regular Vet (additional tests & exam) - $1095

Cremation - $383

Site fees - $65

TOTAL: $2317

Donations to date:

$470 (on GoFundMe)

$125 (privately)

Need to raise (as of 9/16/24): $1722

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Rufus first arrived at my door in March of 2014. Jinx had already been here for a few months and he was used to going out during the day and coming in at night. Then one day, Jinx came home with a new buddy, Rufus. The two have been inseparable ever since. Rufus is very protective of Jinx and quickly runs to his aide whenever Jinx cries out. He also follow Jinx everywhere and spends a lot of time cleaning his ears. They are totally best buds.

But now, Rufus is very sick. He seemed completely fine until Wednesday morning when he quite suddenly stopped eating or drinking or going to the bathroom. He mostly just sits in one place and is very lethargic. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain. He’s just not moving around a lot.

I rushed him to the ER vet on Wednesday. They ran some tests, but everything is inconclusive. They sent him home with instructions to follow up with the regular vet.

On Thursday (Sept 12, 2024), I took Rufus to his regular vet where they did x-rays, urine tests, and more blood work to rule out a thyroid problem or diabetes.

Despite these additional tests, It’s still not clear what exactly is going on with him.

We know this:

- His blood work is fairly normal, although his potassium levels are on the low side

- He doesn’t have a fever and blood work is normal so he doesn’t seem to have an infection

- He’s actually a bit on the cold side. His temperature is slightly low

- His heart rate is slow. He’s always had this issue, so it doesn’t seem to be the primary problem

- Blood work did not point to cancer

- The x-rays revealed a very large bladder - BUT he’s not blocked rather it seems like he doesn’t realize that he needs to go. THIS is actually the most troublesome of the findings. He doesn’t have a UTI or blockage. He’s not straining to go. He doesn’t even seem interested in going. One possibility is that it’s an effect of a medication he is on, Clomicalm. He’s been on Clomicalm for many years now because of anxiety. He’s a very nervous cat.

The next steps involve an ultrasound to explore further what is happening in his organs especially his bladder. There is reason to hope that this is something that can be cured. He doesn’t appear to have cancer or anything obviously terminal. I really hope we can identify the cause of his illness and get him the right treatment.

But this will require additional testing at the animal hospital including probably being admitted and observed for a couple of days. The situation is urgent because if he doesn’t pee, then the bladder risks bursting. We need to find the cause immediately. So I am asking for donations to help pay for Rufus’s vet bills and care. Any contribution you are able to make is enormously appreciated.

ER Vet (initial exam and tests) - $774

Regular Vet (additional test) - $712

Animal Hospital

- Ultrasound - $800

- Examination - $255

- Overnight stay & additional testing and treatments (estimate) $1000 to $2000

Total needed: $3500 - $5500