One of our friendly colony cats---7 -yr- old Duster who is typically such a happy and playful big boy, (TNR'd about 8 months ago), started declining rapidly. He was open-mouth breathing & acting super lethargic, and appeared to be struggling with using his hind legs. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, we rushed him to Little Paws Animal Hospital on Wednesay Nov 29. Due to his FIV+ status, it is important to move quickly in efforts to try and save him. As a colony cat without a permanent home and family, we are hoping we can ask our community to help Duster because we surely cannot do it on our own -- his prognosis will be expensive. COLONY CATS deserve medical care too :-(

NEWEST UPDATES:

February 8, 2023: Right over 2 months of daily injections for FIP treatment have been completed as of today. Though Duster has made significant progress, the challenges of treatment, including skin sores, have arised. Furthermore, the burden of cost is starting to catch up, and since his life relies on the priceless GS medication, it is essential we fundraise for his treatment. Please please help us share his story! He is a colony cat and deserves a shot at this treatment, and wont survive FIP without it.

He is certainly a fighter, and we are honored we did not give up on him.

As always, thanks to your generosity, we've successfully fundraised a little over $800 for Duster.

DUSTER'S COSTS SO FAR:

Fourth vials + capsules (2/6/24): $263

Third 5 vials: $219

Second 10 vials: $525.30 -- covered by a friend we still need to reimburse!

First 6 vials: $327.54

Vet Care for Diagnosis: $2365.23

TOTAL AS OF 2/8/24: $3700.07

EXPECTED COSTS: follow-up + lab (2 more times)

January 5, 2023: One month of daily injections for FIP treatment have been completed as of today, duster has made significant progress. Thanks to your generosity, we've successfully fundraised a little over $500 for Duster. Despite not being able to fully concentrate on fundraising efforts yet, Duster's condition has steadily improved, and he now exhibits seemingly normal behavior.

We're overjoyed that he's still fighting and that we did not give up on him, and your support has played a crucial role in this journey. However, our battle is not over, and we need your continued assistance. We have 54 more days of daily injections ahead, and every donation makes a meaningful impact. Thank you for standing by us and Duster during this challenging time.

Dec 8, 2023: Today, Duster received his 6th injection. The past three days have been quite demanding with two shots administered daily. The encouraging update is that Duster is already showing significant improvement. His appetite has returned, he is moving around more (though neurological symptoms persist in his hind legs), and he has noticeably increased energy levels.

Dec 5, 2023: At Lake Balboa Vet Care, we conducted an echocardiogram to rule out congestive heart failure (CHF) and repeated bloodwork and diagnostics. Surprisingly, the results indicated that his heart was relatively normal. However, the vet suspected pleural neuro FIP -- a death sentence.

These last few days have cost us $2365.23 that we cannot afford as a small grassroots organization.

Unfortunately in the US, there are no FIP treatments vets can prescribe. UC Davis had a successful trial of a drug, called Gg_S that has now saved thousands of FIP kittos. This drug is expensive and hard to get your hands on.

On the evening of Dec 5, 2023, we started Gg_S treatment. This is an 80+ day long treatment closely working with the FIP warriors team. For the cheapest vial at the highest concentration, his inital treatment will cost us around $1003, at $48 per vial for a total of 21 vials. Any contribution to help us fund his treatment would be immensely appreciated.

We are unable to cover these expenses independently without risking our ability to provide ongoing assistance to cats. We express our gratitude to the community for uniting and attempting to support our efforts in aiding him.

Dec 4, 2023: Second thoracentesis at Little Paws Animal Hospital before an echocardiogram tomorrow.

Nov 30, 2023: Euthanasia was recommended if we couldn't secure funds for the $1400 echocardiogram. Upon informing them that we would be seeking treatment, we took Duster to Balboa Park to enjoy watching the ducks.

November 29, 2023: Little Paws performed diagnostics (bloodwork + xrays). Lots of fluid was visible in the chest area, so we moved forward with treatment trying to tap his chest to remove the fluid (thoracocentesis). 250ml of fluid was removed (THATS IS A LOT and VERY SCARY!) We redid x-rays after the procedure to see if his heart and lungs would be more visible, but unfortunately, there is still fluid making it hard to identify what's going on in his chest area without an ultrasound. This cost us $900.53 with our rescue discount.

Duster requires an ultrasound/echo of his chest and heart for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan. Considering his diagnostics, three potential issues—heart disease, FIP, or cancer— three horrible prognosis' which progress quickly. As a small grassroots rescue, our ability to save him hinges on the support of the community. Your assistance is crucial in giving Duster a fighting chance.

We are hoping to raise funds to cover the costs of a chest ultrasound at a specialty hospital, which requires an extra $1,000. This amount does not even inclide a comprehensive treatmant plan, but it is a crucial step in ruling out any issues with his heart and lungs that may be causing him pain at this moment.

(Duster when he was feeling a bit better!)

FIP+ FIV+ Duster Needs You!

FIV+ colony kitty, Duster, had fluid in his pleural sac and could NOT breathe-- it tested positive for the deadly FIP. help us save him.