A new life for Chelsea

Chelsea came to us this summer - only 2.5 months ago - as a rescue. She had no known medical care, she had been moved around a lot (her age was unknown) and there was evidence in her behavior and on her body of a hard life.  In fact, most of her existence was lived crated. She has scarring and tooth wear that show how she struggled against it. This incredibly gentle 8-year-old pitbull won our hearts over instantly and all we wanted to do was give her stability, good health, love and protection. It took weeks of consistent attention, proper nutrition, abundant love and walks in the fresh air for her to even begin to wag her tail and accept physical affection.  And her eyes now show a bit less of the sadness they did a few months ago. 

I got her insurance, but from her first veterinary exam, it was evident that there were causes for concern.  She had a number of behaviors and symptoms that led the vet to believe that not only was something wrong but that it was advanced. After approximately $1500 of testing, a diagnosis of Cushing's disease was given. She had a pre-existing condition. There are a number of sources for Cushing's - Chelsea has a large (believed to be) malignant tumor on her left adrenal gland. It is on the vena cava - a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood to the heart. More than one vet - internists and surgeons - recommend that this be removed as soon as possible. Besides the fact that the mass is large, her bloodwork has worsened in the short time our family has had her and there is a risk of the mass getting intertwined with the vena cava. Fortunately, the chest x-ray has shown that as of right now, there has been no metastatic spread to the lungs. But that can change.

For all of her previous hardship, we want Chelsea to have a chance at a typical life. The doctors believe that with the complete removal of the tumor and adrenal gland, she will be disease-free. It's hard to explain what she has brought into our lives. To have had her less than 3 months, watch the symptoms get more varied and serious and receive this diagnosis caught us completely off guard. And the thought of losing her or watching her worsen is unimaginable. 

Surgical estimates have been between $5-7k due to the risk of complications - this doesn't include the care that will be required by staying for a couple of days post procedure and the medication she may need to get the other adrenal gland working properly. (** her estimate is now over $9k bc of her pneumonia and extended care in the icu)

Chelsea has absolutely thrived emotionally since August. Living in central coastal New Jersey, she gets to walk by the water and in the woods - if you know the story of Ferdinand the bull, sitting on a hilltop just taking everything in, that's her. She happily stands with her face to the sun and raises her nose in the air. If she's feeling well, she heads right down to the back bay, where clam and crab shells catch her interest. She is home. 

I have done research into alternatives - there is a wonderful facility in Richmond, Virginia called Helping Hands. The goal of their practice is to keep surgical costs down. I contacted them, but unfortunately, Chelsea's needs exceed what they are able to provide. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about Chelsea. We have taken in strays, rescues and shelter animals my whole life and I've never had to ask for help like this. Our gratitude goes beyond words.