Abel Has Cancer and Needs Your Help
Donation protected
In April we received some bad news regarding everyone's favorite enormous Rottweiler, Abel. After developing a slight limp in his front leg, we brought the big guy in for X-Rays hoping it was just a sprain or fracture. Unfortunately the X-Rays revealed a much more serious problem and after a biopsy was performed, the vet's suspicions were confirmed and Abel was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (or bone cancer) in his front right arm.
The disease is aggressive and does not have a true cure. Most of the treatments are very aggressive and intrusive, not to mention expensive. The main treatment for Osteosarcoma is to amputate the infected bone, however at Abel's size and age he would struggle relearning to walk again as a tripod. There are other intense radiation/chemo therapies available, but they are extremely expensive and not guaranteed to work. The sad truth is that this disease will eventually take our best friend's life. Our goal now is to remove as much of the pain from his arm as possible to ensure that the last part of his life is as comfortable and happy as possible, and extend his time with us as much as we can. But we need your help!
What we want to do is have Abel go through a Palliative Radiation treatment. This type of radiation does not fight or kill the cancer cells but will remove most if not all of the pain from the infected area so that he can walk around freely and happily. In addition we will be administering Bisphosphonate injections which will help strengthen the bone in his arm and hopefully reduce the risk of fracture. All of these treatments are meant to make him happier but will not directly treat the cancer cells.
The money donated will go directly to paying the vet bills for all of these treatments. We understand that money is tight for everyone, and we've already exhausted all of our savings with vet costs. It's terribly difficult to watch him struggle to walk and get up and down, and our hope that the treatments will drastically improve his current quality of life. Any commitment you can make is extremely appreciated. We know our dog has touched many of your lives over the last seven years. You all are truly his favorite things in the world, he loved nothing more than being around our family and friends. It brought him immense joy seeing you every time. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. We will be posting regular updates and photos and videos.
Currently his spirits are high. His energy level and appetite are normal, and he very much is the happy boy he has always been.
The disease is aggressive and does not have a true cure. Most of the treatments are very aggressive and intrusive, not to mention expensive. The main treatment for Osteosarcoma is to amputate the infected bone, however at Abel's size and age he would struggle relearning to walk again as a tripod. There are other intense radiation/chemo therapies available, but they are extremely expensive and not guaranteed to work. The sad truth is that this disease will eventually take our best friend's life. Our goal now is to remove as much of the pain from his arm as possible to ensure that the last part of his life is as comfortable and happy as possible, and extend his time with us as much as we can. But we need your help!
What we want to do is have Abel go through a Palliative Radiation treatment. This type of radiation does not fight or kill the cancer cells but will remove most if not all of the pain from the infected area so that he can walk around freely and happily. In addition we will be administering Bisphosphonate injections which will help strengthen the bone in his arm and hopefully reduce the risk of fracture. All of these treatments are meant to make him happier but will not directly treat the cancer cells.
The money donated will go directly to paying the vet bills for all of these treatments. We understand that money is tight for everyone, and we've already exhausted all of our savings with vet costs. It's terribly difficult to watch him struggle to walk and get up and down, and our hope that the treatments will drastically improve his current quality of life. Any commitment you can make is extremely appreciated. We know our dog has touched many of your lives over the last seven years. You all are truly his favorite things in the world, he loved nothing more than being around our family and friends. It brought him immense joy seeing you every time. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. We will be posting regular updates and photos and videos.
Currently his spirits are high. His energy level and appetite are normal, and he very much is the happy boy he has always been.
Organizer
Matthew DiMare
Organizer
Chicago, IL