Help Urgently Needed for Poor Red: Suffering a Big Blockage

This week, our sweet boy Red began showing symptoms of straining to urinate. I was hoping it was just a Urinary Tract Infection, but as soon as I tried to feel his bladder for signs of one, I knew it was much worse. This poor boy was yelping in pain. And after having that catheter and IV fluids in overnight, the vet re-examined Red to see if he was able to urinate on his own. All seemingly looked okay, and this sweet little nugget got to come home to begin recovery. He received an Adequin injection to help with the blockage, and he is also on Cosequin, Onsior, Fluoxetine and prescription urinary food. But then, a couple of days later, things suddenly worsened. Red started pacing, going in and out of the litter boxes. He was yelping again; and when I looked in the boxes, I realized only blood was coming out. Even with a slight pressure was being applied to his bladder, and still: No urine came out. We rushed Red back to the hospital to get examined, and thankfully, his doctors assured me that this was not causing Red any pain (like it was the other day). Red's Urinalysis showed his PH level was 7; but interestingly enough, there were no crystals - which is often a warning sign. But our trusted Dr. Singh explained that because poor Red's inflammation is so severe, it was enough to block his urine flow (rather than crystals or stones blocking it). Which was then confirmed by his X-rays, which showed no stones or crystals. So – our poor Red was diagnosed with Cystitis, a stress-related condition. Hearing this was heartbreaking, but it also made us all-the-more determined to do everything I can to ease his symptoms and pain. Red stayed overnight in the hospital for observation. However as of 4 pm the next day, Red still hadn't peed. Usually, I usually begrudgingly sigh when little Red decides to pee all over; but on days like this, I was desperate to welcome the pee. So, after some deliberation, it was decided the best plan of action was to insert one catheter to remove Red's blockage, as well as have another catheter sutured into place (to make sure Red's urine is flowing outward). His recovery is not an easy journey, and it's far from over. But now, thankfully, it seems like so far so good! Our special boy is still stable and feeling ok (with the help of some heavy medications). At the Sanctuary, many of these babies have medical needs that make them “lifers.” And our sweet Red is the Sanctuary comedian. This sneaky boy gets in to (or tries to get in to) EVERYTHING. Bags of treats... Unopened boxes... the world is (apparently) Red's oyster. I have come to view Red is ‘my' cat. Or rather, I guess you'd say I am his ‘human.' I say this half-jokingly (emphasis on “half”), but I truly believe Red knows what I am feeling better than I even do. And what's more, he was Doodles' – the precious boy behind the inspiration for Doodles' Ranch & Sanctuary – best friend. They did everything together, and the special connection and bond shared is one that's impacted me so differently from any other before. Please help us help Red. All warm thoughts and prayers are so very appreciated. Red's medical bill for his treatment and hospital stay came out to be over $800. Please share, and please donate if you can. Any donation, no matter the size, is so helpful in getting our boy back on his feet and feeling his normal self (which usually is talking back to us, LOL!). Thank you all so much. _________________________________________________ To DONATE // Read More: https://cuddly.com/donate/4565878/red