Cheetos Medical Bills

Hi, my name is Cheeto. I am a 4 year old fur-baby to my loving parents Jamie & John. Here is my story.

My mom noticed Thursday evening I was having trouble using the litter box. After multiple attempts with no relief, my mom decided she should bring me to the vet. After calling around to many animal hospitals, we finally convinced the only emergency vet in Niagara to see us. X-rays were taken and exams were done. It was reported there wasn’t a full blockage and IV fluids and meds were given and I was sent home. Flash forward to the following morning and still no litter box use.

Mom is lucky enough to have a friend who knows a local Vet who was able to see me, only to report that I have a full blockage and recommended putting a catheter in for relief and to clear me out. For this procedure to be done I will have to be monitored overnight for a few days and unfortunately, would have to stay overnight throughout the long weekend at the very same emergency vet that did the bare minimum and sent me home.

24 hours after my procedure, emergency vet calls saying I am doing well and wants to take the catheter out only to follow up with another phone call 24hrs later saying I am blocked again. My mom is given the options to put in another catheter, have surgery to extend my urethra, or put me down.

The vet who did the initial procedure gets involved asking why the catheter was taken out so early and to put it back in. The emergency vet then puts in another catheter, half the size as the first. The following morning I now have blood in my urine.

As the long weekend comes to an end, my care finally gets transferred back to the vet who did my initial procedure. He questions why the catheter was taken out so soon and why they replaced it with a smaller sized catheter. The emergency vet claims it’s all they could fit. Since they are an emergency vet, they want a fast turn around of animals to free up rooms, however in the long run cost me extra procedures and stress as well as emotional stress on my parents.

Fast forward to 5 procedures later, 5 times under anesthesia, countless exams, antibiotics etc, my medical bills thus far have cost $7000 and we aren’t at the end of the road yet.

The vet is being optimistic, however if the catheter ends up failing and I need surgery to extend my urethra, my parents will be forced to take out a loan. The surgery in itself comes with its own complications and recovery and of course with many more bills.

So far I have been alone in a cage bounced from clinic to clinic, partially because the emergency vet didn’t provide me with the proper type of care from the beginning. I can’t wait to come home and be with my family.

Some of you may ask, “why spend so much money on a cat”. But Cheeto is more than just a cat, he is family. He is cuddly and affectionate, he is full of life and energy. He is also only 4 years young, so Jamie & John want to give him the best shot at a life filled with love.

Any little bit helps towards this extensive medical bill and we appreciate anything you may be able to offer.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read Cheetos story.