Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending. 😿

Little Bitty’s elderly parents contacted us last week; their 12-year-old kitty wasn’t doing well. Bitty was having trouble breathing, and she started flopping around on the floor, terrifying her parents. Due to the urgency of Bitty’s declining condition, we used funds from the Emergency Fund to get her into a Veterinary hospital ASAP!

Upon examination, the veterinarian felt Bitty’s abdomen, which was extremely bloated and hard. The veterinarian wanted to run some diagnostics to rule out cancer or an obstruction, starting with bloodwork and X-rays. Surprisingly, her bloodwork was within normal levels, and the X-rays showed no evidence of a tumor; however, her chest cavity and abdomen were full of fluid.

A sample was taken, and there were no cancer cells present; however, cancer could be hidden and not shedding any cells; however, the veterinarian suspected it was more likely heart disease.

Bitty was given a diuretic injection called Furosemide (Lasix) to help remove the fluid from her abdomen and chest and was sent home with medications. Bitty’s breathing improved slightly over the week, but then she had two more scary episodes where she struggled to breathe.

Her parents did not want her to suffer. We helped with the arrangements, and Bitty peacefully passed over the rainbow bridge with her parents by her side.

The Emergency Fund helped with Bitty’s medical care; she did not suffer, and her parents got the answers they needed to make the right decision. Her dad said, “So heartbreaking. She's such an angel. She would literally leap into my arms when I got home. All the way from the ground. We are more thankful for all of your help than we can even express in words.”