Help April raise money

Each year I have participated in the marathon I bring you a story about a particular cat. This year, I am participating in the marathon on behalf of Pixie.

Pixie is a ten year old colony cat from one of Annex Cat Rescue's managed colonies. In May her colony caretaker reached out because Pixie had a sore on her nose that would not heal. She was trapped and hustled off to the vet where a swab sample was sent off for histopathology because squamous cell carcinoma was suspected. Initial results were that she had a terrible infection. About two weeks later a deeper biopsy was performed and the initial suspicion was confirmed.  Pixie has cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is usually localized and doesn't typically metastasize, so Pixie still has a chance if we can remove all the cancer. The surgeon says he can, but he recommended a referral to the Toronto Animal Cancer Centre for something called Electrochemotherapy - essentially they stimulate the tumour with electrical pulses which improves absorption of the chemo medication.  The hope is that the tumour will shrink enough that the surgery will be less disfiguring and the surgeon will be more likely to get clean margins. While going straight to surgery is a possibility for Pixie, there is a possibility electrochemotherapy could put Pixie into remission.  This procedure is relatively new and could have positive implications for cats in the care of Annex who are not candidates for surgery.

With your help, Pixie and cats like her can get the care they need. Annex cannot do it without your generous donations.