Besse's surgery
Besse was diagnosed on December 31, 2013 with Pericardial effusion, in which an abnormally large amount of fluid collects in the pericardial sac that surrounds her heart, causing a secondary condition, called cardiac tamponade, results from this retention of fluid, as the swelling of fluid applies pressure on the beating heart, compressing it and restricting its ability to pump blood.
The pressure inside the heart increases, with the pressure elevated inside the heart, the heart has a lower cardiac output, leading to right-sided congestive heart failure and ascites (fluid in her belly). This fluid was drained from around her heart in January, 2014, again in August 2014 and again today Feburary 10, 2015.
At first, it was thought to be caused by an inoperable tumor in the pericardial sac but after todays echo they know that's not the case.
The cardiologist told me today surgery will be her only option to survive and with the length of time lessening between taps (fluid drained) the pericardial sac is basically "shrink wrapping" her heart and it soon will fail to pump.
Besse needs what is called a Pericardiectomy, which is the surgical removal of part or most of the pericardium to relieve constrictive pericardium. This surgery will be done at U of M.
I have personally spent thousands of dollars in vet bills already, I was given the option for surgery to begin with, but was told I could continue with taps as needed, the tumor would continue to leak into pericardium and I could have it drained when she needed (every 6 months) for the rest of her life. But unfortunately this is not the case, her only option is surgery.
I have about 12-16 weeks to come up with the funds....as the cardiologist believes this to be about the time her pericardium will fill again....so please if you could help my girl I'd appreciate it.
Besse is only 10 years old and has a lot of life left to give, this surgery will ensure that she has that option.
I have attatched the letter from U of M if you are interested in reading it.
