
Help Nugget recover from a rare disease
Donation protected
Hi everyone (please see updates to see my Venmo if you are uncomfortable with using GoFundMe). It’s our worst fears coming to reality.
TLDR; our ferret nugget has a rare disease called Disseminated idiopathic myofasciitis (DIM) and usually is fatal. There have been recent discoveries to a cure consisting of steroids, antibiotics, and chemotherapy. We can not afford this on our own and are asking for help.
Extended:
A few days ago we had rushed our ferret Nugget to the vet at Cornell. She was initially treated with antibiotics and an emergency vet fee ($250) and we were told to check for worsening symptoms. Not even 12 hours later nugget crashed and had trouble moving and staying awake. We have rushed her back and she has spent the night there.
Over the course of time she’s received many treatments and tests including antibiotics, supportive care, a fecal test sent to Michigan State, and steroids. We are looking now at a $1000+ vet bill just from the hospitalization alone. The suspected prognosis are DIM or systemic coronavirus (not COVID 19). Systemic coronavirus is considered only treatable with supportive care and not curable. We would have to likely put our baby down. The other option is Disseminated idiopathic myofasciitis (DIM). There is a veterinarian in Oregon who has had successful treatment stories despite this disease previously being a death sentence. We are clinging onto hope. Right now her quality of life is not a question yet and if it ever becomes one we will put her her rest without any hesitation. I do not believe in prolonged suffering.
Unfortunately the treatment for DIM consists of a steroid, an antibiotic, and chemotherapy. The chemotherapy is Cyclophosphamide. The cost for cyclophosphamide intravenous powder for injection 1 g is around $231 for a supply of 1 powder for injection for humans. I’m not sure about ferrets but I’m assuming that we are looking at several $200-500 vet bills for the drug and administration. She would get treated once now, again in 2 weeks, and then every 3 months until recovery. She would also be receiving steroids and antibiotics daily.
At this point it will likely be way more expensive than $1000 but I cannot expect and don’t expect anyone to help us. I am just asking that if you can afford it and have the option to that you help us to give her this care for this rare disease and give her a chance at recovery. There have been many documented long term survivors but only if they receive proper treatment ASAP.
We would be so extremely grateful for the support as we only have so much saved up for vet bills and we are quickly approaching our limit on spending. I do not want to have to let our baby go due to lacking funds I truly want to give her the best shot possible.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rylan Kota
Organizer
Collins, NY
Delaney Nichols
Beneficiary