28 replies to this topic

[Laura IMOM]

Diagnosis: Herniated diaphragm
Low end of estimate:  $700.00
Less owner contribution:   -$500 in care credit          
Needed for low end of estimate: $300.00 (added $100. for low end of estimate as we are likely to go over & applicant has no other resources).
4% of $300.00 for IMOM operating expenses = $12.00
Our fund raising goal is $312.00
Spayed or neutered: already neutered
Caseworker: Laura*



Jack is a 2 year old buff colored domestic short haired kitty, who was hit by a car and suffers from a herniated diaphragm.  Dawn and her daughter, Jack's people, rescued him from a neighbor who neglected him. She shared this on her application:

"Jack's amazing! At 2yrs old, he's the smartest most loving cat we've ever known. He'll come when called & responds to simple direction. I've never seen a cat behave like Jack. He's loved so much! We pray that he'll have the surgery he needs & live a long happy life! With gratitude, Jack's family.   "

Please help us to help save Jack, by a donation and/or by sharing his story through social networks, mailing lists, etc.

To make a donation for this pet, please click here Donations and mark your gift, “GF - Jack Yeloushan.”

(Fund updates will be provided as time allows. Please do not write to the committee to ask for updates. We will do the best we can to keep them as current as possible)


Thank you very much!

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[mikken]

Donation sent!  Let's get poor Jack into surgery as soon as possible!

[Sunflowergal89]

Just donated $100.  Prayers for Jack and his family.  He has been through so much.  Thank goodness this family took him in and rescued him from neglect.  

[kuhio98]

Laura ~ Have we heard from Jack's family?  
Do they have access to a computer?

[Laura IMOM]

Hi Lisa,

Yes they have a computer, and I was in touch with her last night quite a bit.  Sent her several e-mails this morning but have not heard back yet.  Just sent another e-mail and hope that she gets online soon.  She is on the west coast.

Laura/IMOM

[Laura IMOM]

A big thank you to all who have donated so far!!!  Hopefully Dawn will be on line soon to tell us how Jack is doing today.

[Jack's Mom]

A great big thank you to everyone who is contributing for Jack's operation. And thank you for your kind words too. I am so sorry that I have not responded sooner. I had a doctor's appointment and a few errands to take care of today. I picked up an antibiotic from the vet today, to use as a preventative for his surgery. He starts this medicine today. Jack has been doing good. He ate this morning & cuddled afterwards. He's sleeping at the moment. I will post more soon. Thanks again to everyone here! Dawn (Jack's Mom)

[Judy G]

Just sent $50 for Jack, so he should be at least halfway to his goal!  Donated in memory of Gray Gray, an IMOM kitty with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia who almost beat the odds.  :(

Sending positive thoughts for a successful surgery and uncomplicated recovery for Jack.

Judy G.

[Judy]

Jack's Mom...BLESS YOU for taking in this kitty...

the best thing you can do is post, post and post some more...I can see how much you love this kittie...and by the way...GREAT name...so strong...

Tell everyone what a great boy he is...and how much you and the family love him...people are reading...even when they don't post...believe me...you are doing a good job so far...keep up the good work!!!  Judy

[kuhio98]

Donation on the way.  I would love to hear more Jack stories.  He looks like he's quite a character.

[Kyle imom]

Jack has reached All Funds Raised. Thank you to everyone who helped IMOM raise the money he needs for treatment.

[Jack's Mom]

I want to thank everyone here for your warm support, prayers and donations for Jack!

I am worried about Jack's upcoming surgery, so please continue to pray for him. His appointment with the vet is scheduled for 7:30 Monday morning PST. He will have preliminary blood work and maybe an additional x-ray before going into surgery. There is stress on Jack's heart due to reduced lung capacity because his stomach is pushing up against his left lung. Diagnostic x-rays are helpful but do not necessary show everything, such as possible adhesions or scar tissue. We hope and pray that everything goes well during surgery and Jack makes a speedy and full recovery.

Jack is doing well in spite of his injury and just as loving as ever. Over the last week, Jack's appetite has improved and he is eating well. He loves "Fussy Cat" canned food. I'm adding a bit of water and "Wellness Indoor Cat Food" because it's higher in fiber to help his digestion.

I've never met a cat like Jack. He is so smart and responsive. It's as if he understands everything I say to him. I bought him something to scratch instead of the carpet and he used it right away and never touch the carpet again. When he shows interest in our cockatiel, Baby, I gently say "No Jack" and he walks away. I have many other examples, but you get the idea He is truly a very special cat. And we love him more than words can express!

Thanks again to everyone here at IMOM!

Dawn, Dominique and Jack  

Edited by Jack's Mom, 19 November 2011 - 10:19 PM.

[Jack's Mom]

Wow! That's amazing! I was writing my above post when I saw the message from Kyle. Once again, thank you to everyone here on the forum for your generosity and support! And thank you for the update Kyle This fundraising effort has been a miracle. I never expected anything like this to happen so quickly. Please keep Jack in your prayers for his upcoming surgery and recovery. Thank you so much!

With sincere gratitude,

Dawn, Dominique and Jack  

[Jack's Mom]

Hi everyone.

Just a short update about Jack today. He is doing very well. I'm giving him his pre-surgery antibiotic twice a day and he's taking the medicine like a good boy . Jack appetite is great and he's as sweet as ever. I feed him several small meals each day and give him lots of love & attention.

His appointment with the vet is at 7:30PST tomorrow morning. Please keep Jack in your thoughts & prayers. I'm a worried mom tonight.
Thanks to everyone here at IMOM for your support, concern and help!



With Gratitude, Dawn, Dominique and Jack  

[CatPaws]

Wishing Jack a very successful surgery today, and a quick and total recovery.   No more outside dangers, little guy.

[Sunflowergal89]

Prayers and blessings for Jack and his family today as he has his surgery.  You are a wonderful furr-mommy Dawn!    

[Judy G]

Sending many prayers and positive thoughts for Jack's surgery today.


Judy G.

[Jack's Mom]

Hi Everyone,

I had a consult with Jack's doctor this morning. Additional x-rays were taken and he advised me to not have the surgery. He told me that, if it was his cat, he would avoid the risk of surgery. Complications could be serious or life threatening because of thickening adhesions. Since Jack is eating, happy and active, he thinks it's best to leave things alone. He told me to continue feeding him small meals and see how things go. Dr. Scott also mentioned that Jack's liver is no longer pushing up toward the heart. Some internal anatomy has shifted back down & Jack could live a long life if further healing does not cause any obstruction. I've decided to go along with the veterinarian's recommendations. It was a difficult decision and I really hope that I made the right one for our little boy.

My daughter just called and she was pretty upset that Jack's not going to have surgery. She's worried he may not live very long in his condition. Does anyone here think that I should get a 2nd opinion? The doctor I met with today has 30 years of surgical experience. His area of specialty is Orthopedics.  

I would like to thank every kind and supportive person here at IMOM! Your time, donations, caring and prayers have been greatly appreciated! This amazing community touches and blesses so many lives. Thank you for all you do to help families like ours who are unable to afford medical expenses for their animal companions.

With gratitude, Dawn, Dominique and Jack

Edited by Jack's Mom, 21 November 2011 - 03:50 PM.

[Judy G]

How is Jack doing?  Is he having any symptoms?  I wonder if maybe the tear is small and they think it will heal on its own and that's why the vet doesn't recommend surgery..but I am curious that the vet's specialty is orthopedics?  I didn't think they did this type of surgery.

Were you referred to him by your vet, or is he your regular vet?  Not sure how difficult it would be to get a second opinion.  It's hard to say not seeing Jack or if he is in any distress as to whether surgery should be done, but I would like to believe the vet knows what he is talking about!

Let us know how Jack does over the next few days.

Good luck!  Still sending those positive thoughts.

Judy G.

[Jack's Mom]

Hi Judy. Thank you so much for asking about Jack and sending him positive thoughts. I'm sorry that I'm replying so late this evening but I've been in & out most of the day.  

Yes, he does have a few symptoms. Sometimes, after Jack eats his breathing is labored because of the location of his stomach against his left lung. I feed him 4-5 small meals of canned food with a sprinkling of higher fiber kibble a bit of added water. He urinates fairly often but does not have regular bm's. His colon has been affected because the internal organs are higher up than normal. Thankfully his liver, which was pressing up near his lung, has come back down. The tear is fairly large and healing, but Jack is not able to bear down properly for bm's. I also give him Laxatone daily. The doctor told me that Jack may heal well enough and live a fairly long life, as long as no obstruction develops.

While Dr. Scott specializes in ortho cases, he also does routine surgery too. He told me that he has operated on several cats with similar symptoms like Jack, but was not specific about their recovery or long-term prognosis. I just know that he didn't feel comfortable doing the surgery because the adhesions were getting thicker, most likely with an active blood supply, and he was concerned with internal bleeding and other complications.

We chose this vet because he has 30 years surgical experience, is a colleague of the vet who diagnosed Jack, and accepts charitable donations for payment. I wish I could find a doctor who is more familiar with this type of injury and accepts charitable donations too.

Initially several offices recommended seeing a specialist for Jack because a month had already passed since the injury. A consult with a specialist ranges from 100.00 and up. Generally, all their services are 2 or 3 times higher than a regular vet. I would really like to get a 2nd opinion, but I'm not sure it would be possible to pay the higher prices if we were to proceed with surgery. It's a dilemma to be sure.  

Thanks again, Judy. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Dawn, Dominique and Jack

[Jack's Mom]

Oops. I forgot to let everyone know how Jack's feeling today. He's doing pretty good. Jack sleeps a lot during the day, and at night, he likes to look outside & cuddle with me on the chair. His appetite is good, but he hasn't had a bm in days. Maybe I'll give him a little more Laxatone tonight. Sometimes, he seems a little bored in our tiny apartment, so I brought a few toys from my daughter's place to entertain him. That's all the news for tonight.

   Dawn, Dominique & Jack

[Beauty's Kathy]

Hi

I would definitely get another opinon..can you get copies of all the tests and such that have already been done? Sometimes that is a good starting point for a new set of tests to see if surgery is a good option.

WHat is the laxatone for ?  If it is for helping with constipation,you might look into lactulose...it is dose to effect and seems to be easy on kitty

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving

Kathy

[Jack's Mom]

Hi Kathy,

Thank you for your advice. The vet's office has Jack's records and both sets of x-rays. They may be open on Friday, I will call in the morning and see if I can have copies for a specialist.

I haven't heard of lactulose. I'll look it up online to see if it's something I can buy over the counter. Yes, the laxatone was prescribed to help with bm's. On the label it's states it prevents and eliminates hairballs, but I think it helps Jack if I give it to him daily.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Dawn


Quick update for Jack. Last night he finally had a bm, after 3 days, without any noticeable discomfort. He is doing well and is more active at night. I think that's because he was an outdoor kitty. At night, he quietly meows to let me know he misses being outside. I open the front door and he sits by the security screen looking outside and feeling the night air... which is getting quite cool here in California.

[Judy G]

Hi Dawn,

I am happy to hear that Jack is doing well-and finally pooped!  I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Judy G.

[Jack's Mom]

Hi~

Quick update for Jack today. He's a bit sleepier than usual but very cuddly. He hasn't had a bm in 2 nights. His bowels are not where their suppose to be because things shifted upwards after his injury. The vet told me that chronic constipation will be a problem for Jack. I found a product online and was wondering if anyone has heard of it: My link  

Thank you. Have a great weekend!

Dawn, Dominique and Jack

[Jack's Mom]

Sorry it's been some time since I've written an update about Jack. He's doing very well. His appetite has increased so he has put on some weight. I'm going to try and give him some pumpkin for the constipation. I'll see if he eats it though because Jack's a is pretty finicky eater.

We are going to consult with a holistic vet to see if there is anything else we can do for Jack to prevent any complications in the future. I'm thinking surgery may no longer be an option because of scar tissue and adhesions. I'll wait to see what the doctor tells us this week.

Overall, Jack is happy, loving and playful. He's a very dear boy & I'm glad he is getting better as time goes by.                

Wishing everyone a great week!

Dawn, Dominique and Jack

[Bandit'sAngel]

Hi Dawn,

I looked at your link.  I'm afraid I haven't heard of that product.  (Doesn't necessarily mean it isn't good).  When my Big Boy (he's a PIN and over 16 and 1/2 yrs old) was having pooping problems .. I increased his petromalt (similar to Laxatone) for awhile; then it was recommended to try Miralax (or generic) over his wet food.  It's tasteless, colorless and odorless - and you just mix it up.  You need to check with the vet on the amount per day (based on weight) and if it would be good for Jack based on his particular condition.

I hope you all had a cozy T-day and that Jack is feeling better.  It is getting to freezing and below here.  brrrrrr.

Kisses for Jack and to you.  I know how hard this is.  Keep up the great work.

Love,

Donna and 'The Bandit'  


  

[Jack's Mom]

Hi Donna,

Thanks for the recommendation for Miralax. I just tried the pumpkin. Jack sniffed it but wouldn't try it. I'll mix a little of his food with some and maybe he'll try it. Since Miralax is tasteless and orderless, I think he's more likely to eat it. I'll check with the vet regarding the dose. I appreciate your kind words and feedback.

to you too. Jack and Dawn

[Beauty's Kathy]

Hi

I am not sure if I posted this link or not---anyway, someone else might need it so :

http://www.felineconstipation.org


Lots of good information (most likely more than you want to know)  about the subject and treating it.

Also go here:


http://www.felinecrf.org

and check out the symptopms and treatment section and then ask your vet if any of it would be ok for Jack.

I had success with lactulose which does not require co-operation on the part of the kitty as it is ilquid and squirred in the side of the mouth

Also, try a drinking fountain to encourage water consumption as this is necessary to relieve the problem

Good luck
Kathy