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Blastomycosis medication for Mocha

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Mocha needs your help! 

My roommates (Meghan Maguire and Taylor Duddle) just rescued Mocha, a 5 year-old Nova Scotian Duck Tolling Retriever mix, in September. He is an absolute sweetheart who loves attention, snuggles, and walks. A few weeks ago, we noticed that this usually very friendly, energetic bundle of love stopped eating, developed a hoarse cough, became lethargic, and at times seemed unable to orient himself (e.g. walking into cars; unable to walk down stairs). After bringing him to the vet, we discovered he has blastomycosis (blasto), a fungal infection caused from inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores.

We quickly learned that if blastomycosis is not treated promptly, it can become deadly. It is important to Meghan and Taylor to spread awareness of this disease, as it is a relatively common condition and could be confused with other conditions. The following list contains the recognizing symptoms of blastomycosis:
- Coughing, labored breathing or respiratory disease
- Fever
- Depression or change in performance and drive
- Limping or lameness
- Skin lesions on the nose, mouth or paw pads, with or without draining
- Inflamed eyes
- Enlarged nymph nodes
- Swollen and painful joints
- Multiple skin lesions with or without draining tracts

Mocha has also developed a urinary tract infection and blood in the lungs at this time secondary to this condition. 

The vet believes he was adopted with this condition, meaning he was likely surrendered to the rescue already infected. Meghan and Taylor are committed to seeing Mocha through his recovery, however it should be noted that the medication for this condition is one of the most expensive pet medications prescribed.

There are two reasons for this post. First and foremost to raise awareness of the symptoms of blastomycosis, as it is a relatively common infection in canines and if we had let it go on longer Mocha might not be a candidate for treatment. The other is to request, if it is within your means, to consider even a small financial contribution to Mocha's cause. Mocha's medication will be $500 a month for at least 6 months, perhaps longer. The medications, as well as routine vet check-ups for the condition, are adding up quickly.  Additionally, as Mocha does not have much of an appetite, they are being creative and switching his food daily to ensure he meets nutritional needs. Meghan and Taylor are amazing pet moms and are committed to ensuring Mocha makes a full recovery, and I know it would mean the world to them if you could help spread the word of this condition and Mocha's situation. 

Thank you. 

Please contact Highview Animal Clinic at [phone redacted] (Thunder Bay, Ontario) for questions regarding treatment.
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Donations 

  • Leanne Johnson
    • $5
    • 4 yrs
  • Sharon Demchuk
    • $250
    • 4 yrs
  • Isabel Smith
    • $10
    • 4 yrs
  • Lucas McEachern
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
  • Shanti Subedar
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
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Fundraising team (2)

Halle Demchuk
Organizer
Thunder Bay, ON
Meghan Maguire
Beneficiary
Taylor Duddle
Team member

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