Help With Rick’s Surgery

If you know me, you know that asking for help is something I don’t do unless I am in a really rough position.

 

Rick and his brother Omar have been my world since I got them in 2017. When I met the litter of kittens- Rick jumped into my lap immediately. I didn’t really have a choice, he picked me. 

 

Rick has always been a special cat, he is my guard cat (HATES the maintenance guys), cuddle bug, and often makes himself known on my video calls at work. He helps me do everything around the house and judges me when I get dressed in the morning.

During the last two years; the two boys have kept me grounded while I went through the pandemic isolated. It took a toll on me mentally- but having to take care of them kept me going every day. Nothing replaces or replicates the mutual adoration and affection we have for each other. 

 

In October 2021 Rick underwent emergency intussuseption surgery (his intestine telescoped into itself, rendering it impossible for him to eat or keep food down) and had part of his intestine removed. This often happens when there is an obstruction, however his was idiopathic- there was no cause. His surgery site got infected despite me caring for him intensely.

 

Today, December 15, Rick was being his playful self in the morning and enthusiastically ate his breakfast. Hours later- he was vomiting an abnormal amount and sitting like he did when he was recovering. After he vomited again, I took him to Tufts Emergency Vet (thanks Lauren). The vets examined him, and after ordering an ultrasound, they discovered that he has yet another intussuseption. Devastated does not describe how I feel about him having to go through this again.

 

I am still cleaned out financially after his last surgery. Any help is appreciated while we move through this.