how to help fiv cat who has suffered jaw injuries

[sparklefishq]

I have a few  questions. We have 3 indoor cats and a cat who was abandoned by a neighbor that we started to care for and lives outside. About 2 months ago we found out Love is FIV positive. The vet suggested Immuno-Regulan which we hear is about $1500.00.

Last night Love was assulted by someone, breaking his jaw and shattering his lower teeth. We cannot afford the immuno-regulan nor the necessary surgery. Please give me some direction on effective, cost effective treatment for the FIV and do you know of any fundraising programs for abandoned cats in need of medical  care.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M.]

Many cats with FIV can live very long, almost completely normal lives.    There are people out there who own cats who already have Felv or FIV, or other special needs cats, who may be interested in adopting another special needs FIV positive cat.  Love's immediate problem is surgical repair of his jaw.  The immuno-regulan treatment is secondary.  Obviously, living on the street is worse for Love's health than FIV since he was is a victim of animal cruelty because he lives outside.  I don't know of any fundraising programs for individual cats.  Many animal organizations have a difficult time collecting enough money to care for the shelter animals, in their care.  The Fund for Animals, and other organizations collect donations for spay, neuter ,and release programs for cats who are unadoptable, but it sounds as if Love could be adoptable.

Would your regular vet be willing to perform the surgery at a reduced cost if he knows that you are not interested in keeping Love and would like to find a special needs home for him?  Try contacting a local animal TV program, Radio program, or local newspaper (send or email photos of his fractured face), and  you may find someone to adopt him or to acquire donations for his surgery.  If all else fails, maybe you could surrender Love to a No-Kill shelter, where he may have a chance for adoption , and  having the surgery performed.

[sparklefishq]

Thank you for your response. We went ahead and paid by credit card for the surgery, though it will probably require more treatment. We want to give the treatment but we are in  very limited finances. Do any pet pharmaceutical companies offer assisstance with the cost.