Bauer's Fight Against Blastomycosis
Donation protected
Bauer is a one year old husky mix. He developed a cough about a month ago and after a few visits to the vet prescribing different antibiotics he was going downhill fast. Last Wednesday we went back to the vet and began testing him for other illnesses. Friday it was confirmed that he suffers from a very rare fungal infection called Blastomycosis. Bauer was referred to Toronto Emergency Veterinary Hospital Centre for a very invasive procedure to be certain of the diagnosis. Unfortunately it has been confirmed that he has Blastomycosis. This is an aggressive fungal infection he acquired from inhaling in a spore outdoors. It is not known for sure where and when this happened, however the vet mentioned it is as rare as getting struck by lightning and is occurring in the Kawarthas where he spent a lot of time this summer and fall.
Bauer went from being an energetic puppy full of life to a very lethargic puppy who sleeps the days away. Half of the time he is limping from the pain in his joints and having a hard time opening his right eye.
Bauer has the fungus in his lungs and also behind his right eye. We have been told it be will at least 6 months of medication to fight the fungus and their not certain he will survive due to the aggressiveness of the fungus. Bauer has a long road ahead of him with expensive anti-fungal medicine, eye drops, and steroids for joint pain. There is a possibility he may lose his right eye but the vet is taking the necessary steps so far to try and save it. Bauer will undergo x-rays and blood work every couple of weeks to see if he is reacting well to the medication. We are trying to stay positive while trying to figure out how we will possibly pay for all of this. He just turned one on December 13th, and we are hoping that his youth will help him fight this. One of the options the vet gave us was to euthanize Bauer as the cost is an overwhelming burden on owners, we are a young couple just starting out, however we wouldn’t be able to live with ourselves if we didn’t try and save our boy! The estimated cost for a year of treatment and testing is $10,000. We are asking for any support that you can give to Bauer as he begins his fight against Blastomycosis.
If you are unfamiliar with Blastomycosis like we were please read: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/canine-blastomycosis-review-and-update-diagnosis-and-treatment
The symptoms of Blasto are similar to so many other common illnesses in dogs. We hope by posting this story we can help others be aware of this rare and brutal fungal infection. Please educate yourself so you can catch it in the early stages.
We will keep you posted on Bauer’s progress, his first check up is on December 29th, 2014.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thank you for your support!
Bauer went from being an energetic puppy full of life to a very lethargic puppy who sleeps the days away. Half of the time he is limping from the pain in his joints and having a hard time opening his right eye.
Bauer has the fungus in his lungs and also behind his right eye. We have been told it be will at least 6 months of medication to fight the fungus and their not certain he will survive due to the aggressiveness of the fungus. Bauer has a long road ahead of him with expensive anti-fungal medicine, eye drops, and steroids for joint pain. There is a possibility he may lose his right eye but the vet is taking the necessary steps so far to try and save it. Bauer will undergo x-rays and blood work every couple of weeks to see if he is reacting well to the medication. We are trying to stay positive while trying to figure out how we will possibly pay for all of this. He just turned one on December 13th, and we are hoping that his youth will help him fight this. One of the options the vet gave us was to euthanize Bauer as the cost is an overwhelming burden on owners, we are a young couple just starting out, however we wouldn’t be able to live with ourselves if we didn’t try and save our boy! The estimated cost for a year of treatment and testing is $10,000. We are asking for any support that you can give to Bauer as he begins his fight against Blastomycosis.
If you are unfamiliar with Blastomycosis like we were please read: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/canine-blastomycosis-review-and-update-diagnosis-and-treatment
The symptoms of Blasto are similar to so many other common illnesses in dogs. We hope by posting this story we can help others be aware of this rare and brutal fungal infection. Please educate yourself so you can catch it in the early stages.
We will keep you posted on Bauer’s progress, his first check up is on December 29th, 2014.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thank you for your support!
Organizer
Chris Gubb
Organizer
Whitby, ON
