Help with Kuma's Emergency Vet Bills

For those of you who know myself, Brendan and Kuma, you will know that Kuma has a long and complicated history with his health. We adopted Kuma 2 years ago from a rescue in Hamilton Ontario. Shortly after adopting him, we learned that he was infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) while he was a stray. FIV is an incurable disease that attacks the infected cat’s immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infection and severe illness.

Over the last 2 weeks Kuma has been fighting off an unknown illness. Kuma was first admitted to Campus Estates Veterinary Hospital in Guelph on September 7th. He was hospitalized for 2 nights and discharged when he started showing improvements. Less than 48 hours later, he was admitted again with worsening symptoms.

Over the next 3 days, Kuma received an ultrasound, daily blood work, IV fluids/medications, and round-the-clock monitoring. His ultrasound showed enlargement of the kidneys, which could be any number of things, but the vets are most concerned about chronic kidney disease or lymphoma. His bloodwork showed extremely low platelet counts, low white and red blood cell counts, and non-regenerative anemia. With such a low platelet count, we have not yet been able to perform a biopsy of his kidneys to find out what is causing them to be enlarged. Although his blood tests remain unchanged, his appetite and energy level improved after 3 nights and he was discharged to be monitored at home. Unfortunately, Kuma took a turn this afternoon and was admitted to Hamilton Regional Emergency Veterinary Clinic. At this time, we still don’t know what is wrong and why he isn't improving.

In the last 10 days we have accumulated nearly $7,000 in vet bills. This number continues to increase as we keep him under veterinary care and perform more tests. Brendan and I will do anything to give Kuma the medical care he needs so he can live a long and happy life. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for anything you can give to help our little man.

Leah, Brendan and Kuma