Recently acquired pet with the BEST, most proactive pet owners “Mr. Tubbs,” was not “tubby” by any means – in fact he was very underweight and lethargic when his new owners first acquired him. He had spent much of his life living underneath a bed, and because of that, his previous owners had no idea if he was eating, drinking, or acting normally. Once he found his way into his new owners home, the Johnson’s took him under their wing and immediately brought him to see Dr. Andi Tseng at Mission Animal and Bird hospital for a check up. Their new kitty was diagnosed with kidney failure and secondary anemia, but his owners were determined to do everything they could to keep him comfortable.

They began feeding a prescription kidney diet, which they found out he prefers to eat off the kitchen floor and NOT in a bowl (cats and their preferences). They learned how to give him subcutaneous fluids under the skin, and brought him in for frequent check ups to make sure his kidney disease was under control. They then hired my company to help give weekly darbopoietin injections to help stimulate his body to start making more red blood cells so that his blood could carry more oxygen. Almost immediately his whole demeanor changed and he became a more rambunctious, mischievous and energetic cat. And then he started gaining weight and his red blood cell count normalized!

He has been an extra-ordinary example of how at-home care, in addition to the dedication and love from his owners, can completely turn things around for a pet with a chronic illness. <3 We love you Tubbs!