Nutmeg's Legacy - Save a Senior
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Nutmeg is an 11y/o Norfolk Terrier who we adopted from the Brookhaven Animal Shelter on April 28, 2016. It was love at first sight when met this beautiful golden girl. We may have only had her for 8months, but we can't imagine life with out her. Nutmeg has brought so much joy into our lives.
On December 24, 2016 we rushed Nutmeg to the West Hills Animal Hospital. She had a distended belly, was shaking and growing increasingly lethargic. Many tests and hours later, we were told that her abdominal cavity was filled with chyle (lymphatic fluid) and that we would need to see a specialist.
Early on December 26, 2016 we took Nutmeg to the Woodbury Animal Hospital for an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed a large mass in here retroperitoneal cavity. They also saw abnormalities in her liver. We were told that a biopsy would be needed to determine what these masses were. Unfortunately, due to the large mass' location, close to the kidneys and major vessels including the aorta and vena cava, our vet said he was not comfortable with completing this biopsy. So once again, we would need to see someome else.
Amidst all of Nutmeg's medical emergencies, we were packing and preparing for our move from Huntington, NY to Buffalo, NY. Our vet suggested we start looking for a specialist in Buffalo, NY. He explained that Nutmeg's case was very complicated and there was no point in starting the process in one place and trying to continue it elsewhere. Time was not on our side.
We trusted our vet with this plan and started looking for a specialist. Nutmeg's abdominal cavity was re-filling at a alarming rate and she had to have the fluid drained on December 28, 2016 and December 30, 2016 to ensure she would be as comfortable as possible for our big move. Between December 24, 2016 and December 30, 2016 over 1000ml of chyle (lymphatic fluid) were drained from her abdominal cavity.
By God's grace, Nutmeg handled the move beautifully. She stayed in great spirits, despite her fluid levels rising once again. We celebrated this small victory.
On January 3, 2017 we took Nutmeg to Sheridan Animal Hospital for a consult with an internal medicine specialist. She said she wanted to do an addtional ultrasound, so that she could see everything in real time. She agreed that the large mass seen on the previous radiographs was in a precarious location that carried far too much risk to biopsy. So we all agreed on an alternate plan of taking cellular samples from the liver and spleen. Nutmeg was admitted for the day, sedated for a second ultrasound and biopsy. Additionally, 600ml of chyle (lymphatic fluid) were drained from her abdominal cavity. At discharge Nutmeg was given a medication that hopefully will slow down the flow of her chronic chyle effusion. Otherwise, we wait. We are anxiously awaiting these biopsy results.
At this point in time, three vets have told us that Nutmeg most likely has cancer. Lymphoma to be exact. No one wants to say it is for sure without the results of a biopsy, but at this point almost everything else has been ruled out. This is an absolutely heartbreaking diagnosis. We can't even process the fact that our time with Nutmeg may be limited.
Our only wish for Nutmeg is that her remaining days are pain free and filled with unconditional love. Like most young professionals, our pockets are only so deep. Our greatest fear is that we will not be able to afford the treatment that Nutmeg needs and deserves. We are already feeling the pressure of astronomical veterinary bills and we are still in the diagnosis stage of this nightmare. We by no means expect anyone to cover Nutmeg's bills. We are doing everthing we can to advocate for Nutmeg and get the best treatment we can within our personal means. With that said, we have had countless individuals reach out to help and realize that accepting help could save Nutmeg. The truth is, every second and every penny counts and it is our job to advocate for Nutmeg.
Love and Appreciation,
The Rathbauers
On December 24, 2016 we rushed Nutmeg to the West Hills Animal Hospital. She had a distended belly, was shaking and growing increasingly lethargic. Many tests and hours later, we were told that her abdominal cavity was filled with chyle (lymphatic fluid) and that we would need to see a specialist.
Early on December 26, 2016 we took Nutmeg to the Woodbury Animal Hospital for an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed a large mass in here retroperitoneal cavity. They also saw abnormalities in her liver. We were told that a biopsy would be needed to determine what these masses were. Unfortunately, due to the large mass' location, close to the kidneys and major vessels including the aorta and vena cava, our vet said he was not comfortable with completing this biopsy. So once again, we would need to see someome else.
Amidst all of Nutmeg's medical emergencies, we were packing and preparing for our move from Huntington, NY to Buffalo, NY. Our vet suggested we start looking for a specialist in Buffalo, NY. He explained that Nutmeg's case was very complicated and there was no point in starting the process in one place and trying to continue it elsewhere. Time was not on our side.
We trusted our vet with this plan and started looking for a specialist. Nutmeg's abdominal cavity was re-filling at a alarming rate and she had to have the fluid drained on December 28, 2016 and December 30, 2016 to ensure she would be as comfortable as possible for our big move. Between December 24, 2016 and December 30, 2016 over 1000ml of chyle (lymphatic fluid) were drained from her abdominal cavity.
By God's grace, Nutmeg handled the move beautifully. She stayed in great spirits, despite her fluid levels rising once again. We celebrated this small victory.
On January 3, 2017 we took Nutmeg to Sheridan Animal Hospital for a consult with an internal medicine specialist. She said she wanted to do an addtional ultrasound, so that she could see everything in real time. She agreed that the large mass seen on the previous radiographs was in a precarious location that carried far too much risk to biopsy. So we all agreed on an alternate plan of taking cellular samples from the liver and spleen. Nutmeg was admitted for the day, sedated for a second ultrasound and biopsy. Additionally, 600ml of chyle (lymphatic fluid) were drained from her abdominal cavity. At discharge Nutmeg was given a medication that hopefully will slow down the flow of her chronic chyle effusion. Otherwise, we wait. We are anxiously awaiting these biopsy results.
At this point in time, three vets have told us that Nutmeg most likely has cancer. Lymphoma to be exact. No one wants to say it is for sure without the results of a biopsy, but at this point almost everything else has been ruled out. This is an absolutely heartbreaking diagnosis. We can't even process the fact that our time with Nutmeg may be limited.
Our only wish for Nutmeg is that her remaining days are pain free and filled with unconditional love. Like most young professionals, our pockets are only so deep. Our greatest fear is that we will not be able to afford the treatment that Nutmeg needs and deserves. We are already feeling the pressure of astronomical veterinary bills and we are still in the diagnosis stage of this nightmare. We by no means expect anyone to cover Nutmeg's bills. We are doing everthing we can to advocate for Nutmeg and get the best treatment we can within our personal means. With that said, we have had countless individuals reach out to help and realize that accepting help could save Nutmeg. The truth is, every second and every penny counts and it is our job to advocate for Nutmeg.
Love and Appreciation,
The Rathbauers
Organizer
Kelsy Rathbauer
Organizer
Buffalo, NY
