10/09/2026
Izzy had to have a second procedure to drain fluid from the sacs that encapsulate the kidneys. On Sept 2, they removed 2.1 liters of fluid, and Izzy lost 4.69 lb. Can you imagine? A cat, carrying around a 2 liter bottle of soda on their body? 🙀
By Sept 28, they had to remove 1.7 more liters of fluid! Almost 4 pounds again!
We tested her urine and found that she had a bladder infection, so she was treated for that. Repeat urine culture confirmed the infection was cleared up.
The fluid they removed was sent off to the lab, and all those results were unremarkable. No FIP, no signs of infection or cancer were detected in this fluid around the kidneys. 😼
The ultrasound did reveal an enlarged spleen and lymph nodes, which could be reactive to the stress and inflammation from this condition. But to be sure, the next time she has to go under anesthesia to drain the kidneys, they'll perform a needle biopsy of the spleen.
This condition does have a name, but it's very, very uncommon, so not a lot of data exists. The typical cause in the limited amount of data has been severe kidney disease. Izzy's kidney numbers aren't that high. So everyone is basically stumped as to the cause, and the word that literally everyone keeps using when describing her case, is "weird". Yep, that's us, alright! If it's weird or uncommon, we're the rescue that will experience it. Why is that? Probably because we'll keep pursuing answers, and do whatever is necessary to help them. 🕵️
The usual treatment for this condition is to continually drain fluid, which has risks, or surgical removal of the sacs that encapsulate the kidneys. That also has risks.
So for now, I continue to monitor her, and weigh her regularly, while we search for a cause. We've set up an appointment with Internal Medicine to recheck her on Oct 22. At that time, they'll perform another ultrasound guided fluid removal and FNA of the spleen, if warranted.
Izzy's costs for this condition, to date, have been a whopping $6117.87! Well, what would you expect from a gal who's kinda "whopping", herself? 😚
There's just no way I can pay for all of this myself. My credit card is too high for my limited retirement income. I've already taken money out of retirement, just to pay the normal monthly bills. I stay up late every night, running scenarios and calculations, trying to figure out how to handle it all. I can't find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 🍀 Not yet.
Keeping our promise to these cats in lifetime sanctuary takes a whole community! 💖
Please help if you can. Please? You can send some love with the Donate button on this post, where a fee will be deducted, and the balance will be sent to us in about 45-60 days. Or you can check the comments for more ways to donate without fees, or without delays. Nothing is free. At minimum, there's the cost of an envelope and a stamp.
Thank you for helping us take care of the kitties. 🐱 🐾
