Thank you for taking a moment to help Leo!
Hello everyone,
This is Leo. He is a four months old Maine Coon and this is his story…
On Wednesday, October 18th, I brought him from Mexico.
My family was overjoyed with the new addition to the family.
He is the sweetest little soul! Our purr machine. He is so small but has such a big heart.
He is like a little puppy in a cat’s body. Our buddy that is glued to our hip at all times!
Nothing predicted trouble, until 3 days later on Sunday morning (Oct. 22), he started peeing blood.
We rushed him to the vet immediately.
He underwent all the possible tests: blood work, urinalysis, x-rays etc.
The vet diagnosed him with a UTI. We were, then, given some medication (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory) and sent home. However, his symptoms persisted.
Monday morning, Oct. 23, we took him to our vet, who is a long-time friend and a brilliant Doctor. We are extremely fortunate for her to have suspected the correct diagnosis right of the bat. In our case, time is of the essence…
The antibiotics were not breaking Leo’s fever. He has a pot belly (distended abdomen), fluid in the abdomen, frequent urination with blood and laboured breathing.
His symptoms, in conjunction with his blood work, all pointed to - Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
Some fluid was drawn from his abdomen for testing.
Today, on Oct. 25th, we got a confirmed diagnosis of FIP.
FIP is not a particularly common disease, and we have never even heard of it until 4 days ago. However, the outcome is almost always a death sentence.
Leo is such a little warrior. He is eating and maintaining a positive attitude. The thought of having to euthanize him without giving him the fair chance at beating this disease is breaking our hearts into a million little pieces. He is so full of life and vigour. He really wants to live.
His only chance at life are the experimental treatment options for FIP, which are not yet FDA approved. Meaning, they are not able to be administered by a Veterinarian.
After doing much research and getting in touch with FIP Warriors 5.0, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving thousands of cat lives worldwide, we have decided to proceed with the treatment.
Leo’s FIP treatment spans over the course of 84-days of injections and an additional 84 days of monitoring in case of relapse.
Leo needs one injection (approx. 1.3ml) of the drug (GS-441524) per day. This is a costly medication but it is the only medication that can save his life. In addition, Leo will require monitoring of his blood every 4 weeks (including CBC and chemistry panel), x-rays, medical supplies and support medicine (steroids, painkillers, supplements etc.).
This is where we are in dire need of your help..
In the last week, we have already spent close to $2500CAD in vet bills to diagnose him and provide him with some medical support in the meantime.
The starting cost of the 84-day treatment ranges from $1400-2000CAD. The doses are based on his weight. As his weight goes up, so does the treatment cost. Blood work is also roughly $400-500CAD each time. X-rays are also a similar price $400-500CAD.
The treatment can cost thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, it’s his only fighting chance. Speaking to other FIP diagnosed cat owners and through research, this treatment is reported to be extremely successful with 85%-90% survival rates.
If you are able to help with a donation $5, $10, $20, whatever the amount is - it makes a difference!
If you are unable to donate, please share Leo’s GoFundMe with family and friends!
In any way that you assist, whether financially or by re-posting, we will be grateful beyond measure!
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read Leo’s story. Please enjoy some photos of him. We hope he makes you smile!
** In the case that Leo does not survive treatment, all excess funds will be donated to FIP Research to help save other kitties around the world.
What is FIP?
FIP Warriors 5.0
GS-441524 (FIP Treatment)