Phoebe

About the Campaign

Phoebe is a 13-year-old female cat with a twisted and obstructed bowel. Her veterinarian, Dr. Adams at Shelter Vet in West Los Angeles, contacted Free Animal Doctor directly because Phoebe needs urgent surgery or she will die. He and his staff say Phoebe is still energetic, very sweet, and they cannot stand to euthanize her for a problem that can be fixed.

With vet tech Matthew at Shelter Vet:

Phoebe had been dealing with what was thought to be a hernia or mass near her stomach area for a long time. It had been checked by vets before and treated as benign. But this past week she became lethargic, then stopped eating, stopped using the bathroom, and the area became harder and tighter. Now X-rays and exam findings show an obstruction, likely bowel entrapment, and she needs surgery right away. You can see the twisted and swollen bowel area in the x-ray:

There is also a possibility that Phoebe ate plastic, something her family knows she tries to do and works hard to keep away from her. Whatever the exact cause, the result is now an emergency: her bowel is obstructed, she has been vomiting, and she cannot recover without surgery.

Phoebe was adopted through a PetSmart rescue adoption event around 2012 or 2013, along with her brother, Finnius, who has since passed away. Christopher had been looking to adopt a bonded pair of kittens, and Phoebe and Finnius were the perfect fit. Phoebe has been part of the family ever since, and Christopher’s 11-year-old son loves her dearly.

The cost is the barrier. Christopher was in a serious motorcycle accident last November and has been out of work since. He shattered his right wrist and elbow and badly injured his left shoulder, requiring pins, hardware, and extensive physical therapy. He is a violinist, but right now he cannot play, and several work projects are on hold. His wife is working and family is helping, but they cannot cover emergency bowel surgery.

Dr. Adams is doing the surgery at a substantial discount; at an emergency hospital, this same surgery would cost well over $5,000. Donations will help cover Phoebe’s emergency bowel surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care so this sweet rescued cat can survive and go home to the family that loves her. **All donations are paid only to the veterinarian.**