Oh, Duke! 😭 Our precious gentleman, Duke Maestro Mahogany, has had such a rough go of things, and it breaks our hearts. From starving as a stray, to beating FIP, to being diagnosed with diabetes, he's been a fighter ever since he came to us in January 2024. But this week we saw him sicker and sadder than ever due to a sudden and serious infection of his gallbladder and liver. It terrified us. Yesterday we weren't sure if he was going to pull through, but today we are finally seeing improvement, thanks to the incredible care he is getting from our vet team. Hospitalization comes with a hefty price tag, though. Dukey is worth it, there's no doubt. He is one of the sweetest cats we have ever met, and we are determined to see him be well and get the forever home he deserves. But we need your help to tackle the cost of saving him.

For those who are interested in the nitty-gritty:

On Friday, Duke didn't want his breakfast. Even well-regulated diabetic cats are prone to complications, one of which is pancreatitis. Duke has had a couple bouts in recent months, which caused him extreme nausea, drooling, loss of appetite, dehydration, and diarrhea. Thanks to his excellent vet, we have a "pancreatitis protocol" on hand to administer anti-nausea meds, subQ fluids, probiotics, and an appetite stimulant. With this treatment, he's bounced back within a couple days.

But this time, despite immediately starting "the protocol," he just got sicker. On Monday, he was hospitalized with additional symptoms of severe jaundice, free fluid in his abdomen, and inflammation of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. His gallbladder wasn't emptying as it should and his bile duct was backed up. He was diagnosed with "ascending bacterial cholangiohepatitis that has occurred in conjunction with a severe flare-up of his recurrent pancreatitis. In cats, the common bile duct, which carries digestive juices from the gallbladder and pancreas, passes through the pancreas on its way to the small intestine. When a susceptible cat has pancreatitis, it is not uncommon for bacteria to travel up this duct, causing an infection in the gallbladder and, by extension, the liver."

Duke was immediately started on IV fluids and antibiotics, additional anti-nausea meds, pain relief, a medication to help his stomach contract and another med to help his gallbladder contract. He became more comfortable, hydrated, and alert, but he still could not eat. Tuesday was a really rough and scary day. Although he was perkier again, his jaundice got worse and he had more free fluid. His gallbladder still wasn't emptying and he couldn't eat. After additional diagnostics, the decision was made to add steroids to his treatment regimen, and to place an NG feeding tube so that he could get nutrition. The hope was also that having food in his stomach would signal his gallbladder to start working again.

We are so, so, so, SO relieved to be able to say that the plan is a success! Duke began eating on his own this morning. While his body still has a lot of healing to do, this is a HUGE positive sign that he is recovering!

We love Duke so much. And you have never let us down in supporting the cats we love and care for. Please consider making a donation for Duke if you are able. Any amount helps us survive as a rescue and keep helping cats. We are, as always, incredibly grateful for your support!

Hospitalized diabetic survivor kitty needs help

By Operation Press Paws, Inc.

Hospitalized diabetic survivor kitty needs help

Duke is fighting hard. Can you help us fund his care?