Arroyo and his foster share a sweet moment.
When medical emergencies arise, we can step up, thanks to your support! We’ve recently had more urgent cases than usual — including Arroyo, a 6-month-old kitten who suddenly came down with a severe mystery affliction — and as always, our team was up for the challenge, because of the incredible donors who back our work.
When Arroyo’s foster texted us that he’d developed a bloody mouth full of ulcers overnight, we quickly got him to the vet. Shortly after, we received an urgent update: Arroyo needed emergency care that they could not provide. Something was wrong with his blood.
We dropped everything to transfer him to emergency care then and there. A few hours later, we learned that Arroyo’s blood had no platelets and couldn't clot.
Arroyo wears a bandage while recovering from his blood transfusion.
The vet advised us that Arroyo wouldn’t even be able to survive a tissue sample for diagnostics, so we had only two options: humane euthanasia or a hail-mary blood transfusion. We opted to give him the blood transfusion. We knew it might not work, but it was his only chance, and we had to take it.
Thankfully, Arroyo bounced back in less than 24 hours! We were overjoyed at his speedy stabilization, and delighted to be able to reunite him with his sister, Brooke, for careful monitoring in his foster home.
Arroyo snuggles with his sister, Brooke.
With his platelet count back up, we could perform lab work for his long-term care. The results?
Arroyo has a rare autoimmune condition, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, which means his body attacks and destroys its own platelets. He’ll need steroids for the next 6 months to pull through, and his incredible foster has risen to the challenge for him.
Despite the medical turmoil, and many vet visits, Arroyo has remained active and happy. He’s a plucky little cat, after all, and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to help him, thanks to you!