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Lola's Body is Attacking Itself

Hi my name is Nicola and I live with my 3 rescued furbabies, Chip (2009) & Lola (2013) the two chi's from "death row" in California and Gracie my almost-14 year old SPCA cat whom I've had since she was 6 months old. I can't imagine my life without any of them.

Lola is a special little girl. Whilst in her high kill shelter she was "double caged" as they deemed her to be aggressive. This is the little bag of sugar equivalent who fell asleep in my vet's arms the first time they met. She has a pre-existing heart murmur (not an issue), a wonky eye and the cutest snaggle tooth but this is the chihuahua who will hike through the forest with me like a seasoned pro! Well, until she gets too tired and wants to be carried like the Princess she is.

Several days ago Lola collapsed in our home whilst we were getting ready for bed. I raced to the awesome emergency vet with her barely moving on the passenger seat. Over 2 hours later at 2am I left without my little girl and no real answers but a plethora of signed papers for a barrage of tests and scans.

After a night in hospital it was deduced that Lola has hemolytic anemia. This means that her blood cells are destroyed by her own body. She has so far needed a blood transfusion, radioimaging, a double ultrasound, IV and a variety of blood work/tests. She is on several drugs and will require more blood work/testing not to mention further treatment over the next few weeks.

Why? There are two possible causes. 1). A toxic reaction to something ingested may be whilst out on a walk or 2). the more likely Immune-mediated. Hemolytic anemia is serious and left untreated usually results in death. Even with treatment, some dogs will die. Treatment must continue for weeks to months to assure the body does not continue to destroy the red blood cells.

I am absolutely broke but still can't bring myself to give up on my otherwise healthy little Lola who brings me so much joy without trying everything I can think of to find a solution first. She was treated so poorly in the first part of her life by the people who tossed her onto the street and I would like nothing more than to give her many more years of being treated like the precious thing she is.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. Please note that even "the price of a coffee" donations can really add up so anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated. I would normally never think of asking for help like this. It means so much to me to know that there are so many animal lovers out there and I thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart.
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Donations 

  • Dana Pankuch
    • $50 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Nicola Grice
Organizer
Vancouver, BC

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