08/02/2025
Saturday morning update for Road Pumpkin
Road pumpkin and I are on the way to VEG(Veterinary Emergency Group) in Tampa.
I’ve done a lot of reading over the last several days about FIP in general and other things that can be ruled out. I have come across toxoplasmosis several times, but never really thought that much into it. Last night after I got back from the urgent care, I was sitting on my parent’s living room floor and talking with my mom and I had brought up toxoplasmosis. I started rattling off the symptoms to her- they can be very similar to Neuro FIP. Then we kind of shrugged it off, and that was that. My mom is also an RN by the way.
I sent a message to our FIP rep before I went to sleep last night to give her an update. I woke up really early this morning around 5 AM and saw that I had a message from her. She asked if RP had been tested for toxoplasmosis and if he had been treated with clindamycin. The alarms started to go off in my head and I patiently waited for Harmony Vet care to open up at 7 AM. They have three locations in the Tampa Bay area so I thought that there might be a high chance that I could get RP in there today to get the blood work done and sent out to test for toxoplasmosis.
I spoke with somebody early this morning, but she said they had no openings. We agreed that I would send a detailed history and whatever records that I had and she would try to speak with a vet when they got in to see if they could squeeze us in today at the very least for the bloodwork. I know they are very busy so I am still not sure if it will be a possibility today, but my anxiety has got me wanting to act now and to act fast.
VEG said that they do not normally run the blood work and send it out for toxoplasmosis because it requires a lot of follow up and possibly additional bloodwork. They recommended it is done by a regular vet or a specialist. They were so kind as to let me speak with one of their vets and after explaining to her what was going on, she said at the very least they would prescribe me the clindamycin for suspected toxoplasmosis infection. She said it would be up to the vet that I see if they would run the blood work. The vet that I spoke with was at the sister location that is a little further south from my house, but she said that she was going to message the northern location that I am going to to explain to them what is going on.
The vet also did remind me that the prognosis for dry Neuro FIP is very poor. I’m not going to lie, it made me feel really sad to hear that. And I know that is true. But I am trying everything that I can for RP to give him a fighting chance. I know that cats beat it and go into remission. I just hope that RP gets to be one of them because he really does deserve to have the absolute best life.
So at this point, I am willing to throw everything we can at RP. He will continue to get treatment for FIP, but we will also start treating with clindamycin. If they cannot do the blood test today, I will try to get him in ASAP somewhere that will do the blood test. Our regular vet is closed today, but they are open again on Monday and I can even see if I can get him in there. I just feel really desperate at this point.
The vet at VEG told me to make sure I bring my paperwork to show that I am a 501(c)(3) so they can give me a discount. So that was nice at least. I am hoping that it doesn’t cost a lot today but at this point I have to do what I have to do. I held off on ordering more FIP medication last night because I had a question to the FIP rep as I found out, there are different brands and concentrations that I can purchase. I actually found one that works out to be a little bit cheaper than what we are currently purchasing so that is a win.
Please keep my boy in your prayers. I really never thought we would be in this situation with RP. And it’s breaking my heart. Practically all of my free time since last Thursday has been devoted to getting him wherever he needs to go and it is exhausting. And I know my family reads my updates here and there because they of course get verbal updates from me, but I just want them to know how much I appreciate them for helping me out with Max so I can run all over creation to the vet for the cats. They really are great and I know sometimes it may be inconvenient, but I hope they know how much I appreciate them. And I appreciate all of you guys too.
If you’d like to help us with his ongoing costs, you can do so below.
I know a lot of you have placed orders with me for heart lights, magnets, and ordered on Etsy- I am planning to work on it all this weekend. I am usually very quick, but there has been a lot going on which I know you all know. Thank you for being patient.
You can donate the following ways:
Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/general-donation-form-to-peteys-purpose
PayPal: [email protected]
Zelle: [email protected]
Venmo: (Caitlyn Miller)
Cashapp: $grandmacrinkles (Caitlyn Miller)
Check: Address available upon request
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