4/18/2020: Diagnosis.

You know it's always the worlds worst timing when you end up at the emergency vet & this time it's my healthy dog.. Scarlett is my 6yr old husky that’s been with me since she was 8weeks old. She loves her family and her pack of misfits which consists of her collie sister and her puggy brother and sister.

Yesterday Scarlett seemed fine in the morning, then by afternoon she was vomiting, panting hard, and just acting lethargic which is so far from her happy, loving self. She lost interest in food, rides, and attention which were huge red flags to us as those are her absolute favorite things. We took her in expecting it to be something stupid, maybe something would show up on xrays, or bloodwork would point to something that could easily be resolved.. we were not prepared at all for what the vet found on ultrasound and bloodwork. They called and said she had a horrible infection and was going into septic shock, but they didn’t know what had caused it. They said either a perforation of the digestive track, or she got into a toxin. I felt my heart drop. Last night we were given two options and we had to make a quick decision either way, either to rush her into emergency exploratory surgery (that she might not survive), or euthanize. Those were the only two options as she was suffering. We decided to go ahead with the surgery and hoped and prayed she made it through ok and they were able to find the problem and attempt to fix it. We said our goodbyes in the VCA parking lot, just in case (because we were not allowed inside because of strict social distancing protocol).. We told her how loved she is and told her to be strong.

4/19/2020: surgery & recovery update.

Update #1 - She made it out of surgery. They found a hole in her stomach which could be cancer (not likely, but sending out a biopsy to be tested) or a ruptured stomach ulcer. They didn’t find a foreign object, but she’s out and recovering and doing ok. They’re just struggling with keeping her blood pressure up, but she’s on meds for that and hoping to take her off them once she starts having better readings. I can’t go visit her and they don’t do video calls, so I’m just waiting by the phone for updates.

Update #2 - Her blood pressure is still low so she’s still on the meds to keep it stable, but she walked outside on her own to potty, and she’s alert. She’s still critical and has a 50/50 chance of survival. They said if she can make it past today, her survival potential tomorrow should be a lot better.

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but right now I financially can't afford a surgery and after care/hospital stay that may cost up to $10,000 dollars. I had to put $7,500 down before we left the parking lot. So I'm going to swallow my pride and ask for help. If you could please help by donating I'd greatly appreciate it. I know that times are tough and people are incredibly strapped right now, so if you can't donate please share my link & send my girl positive vibes and keep her in your prayers. Thank you everyone in advance

& to all the people that have reached out with kind words, or asked if I needed anything or were just there for me to talk to, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means more to me than you know, and I will never forget the kindness of you all during this difficult time in my life

Mariah