Lucio’s Perineal Urethrostomy Surgery

Hello, my name is Nicolas Ortega, and I am fundraising to perform my cat Lucio's surgery.

On the night of 2/26/23, Lucio started to throw up profusely; he could no longer hold any food or water down for more than half an hour. During this time he started to meow in pain and his abdominal region started to grow in size. While monitoring him at home we came to the realization that he was no longer urinating.

We took Lucio to the Veterinarian first thing in the morning and we were told that his bladder was completely full, and needed a catheter to be placed. The Vet told us that he would need to stay with them for a few days in order to drain his bladder, take x-rays, and have labs drawn. We were called in from the waiting room where they showed us his x-rays; which indicated that his bladder was completely full, and urine started to fill his kidneys. Once the lab results came back the Vet said that he was going into kidney failure, and if we would have waited a day later he more than likely would have died.

On 3/1/23 we were told that Lucio would be ready to be picked up that his urethra should be clear, and that he should start the recovery process. We paid $2,200 for vet bills and $200 for prescription cat food which should help keep the urethra from being obstructed.

When we brought Lucio home we noticed he was not the same, but figured it was because he has been through a lot already and this is just going to be a slow recovery process for him. However, just like prior to going to the Vet; Lucio could no longer urinate. When he would try and use the litter box only drops of a mixture of urine and blood would come out.

On 3/2/23 we took him back to the vet, and again the Vet said that his bladder was full, and needed to be drained. After another 24hr stay at the veterinarian, we were instructed to go to the ER, so they can perform an emergency Perineal Urethrostomy Surgery. This surgery pretty much turns our male cat into a female cat by cutting off his penis and folding it open into a vagina, so that the urine can flow out smoothly.

His surgery is scheduled for 3/4/23 in the morning, and they quoted us ~$7,000 for the surgery and the stay.

At this time ~$10,000 out of pocket is way more than we can afford. We need the help; we don't want to lose our little Lucio.

Can you please help our little Lucio? Anything that you are willing to donate would be greatly appreciated.

Here are a few pictures of him before surgery.