#BringZoeyHome

When Zoey didn’t claim her usual spot in bed next to my pillow on Saturday, I figured that she was hot and got up and turned on the A/C for her. [I know, not spoiled AT ALL] Unfortunately, the solution was not that simple, and when she began vomiting late Sunday evening after eating very little for 2 days, I decided to take her to the Veterinary Emergency Group here in Chicago. After speaking with the vet early yesterday morning, I was optimistic that after IV fluids and pain medications I would be able to bring her home last night. Unfortunately, an ultrasound performed yesterday showed that the inflammation from the pancreas has caused the rest of the GI tract to become inflamed and her body is struggling to pass food or water out of her stomach. Earlier today she had a tube placed into her stomach that removed 120 mL of fluid, which should help reduce her pain. However, healing from pancreatitis is a slow process and will require several more days of hospitalization to provide IV medication to treat the inflammation, further suctioning of her stomach until swelling has subsided enough for contents to pass into the small intestines, and for her to receive IV fluids and nutrition to support the rest of the body. Once the inflammation resolves and she is able to tolerate food and water on her own, I will finally be able to bring her back home for what I hope is many more years of tummy rubs and tail wags. 

As with all things in life and big cities, time is money. After only two days of treatment, the cost of her care is over $3,000 dollars and my personal supply of tissues quickly dwindling. As you might imagine of a medical student with growing interest on my students loans, finances are limited [read: non-existent]. So this year, on the day before my birthday, I am teary eyed asking for donations, prayers and support to help my sweet girl feel better so that she is able to return home in time for HER birthday on Sunday. 

Together, we can #BringZoeyHome. Any donations not spent on Zoey’s care will be donated to The Humane Society of the United States to help keep people and pets together who too, have been affected by COVID-19.

Update 5/4: The vet at VEG recommended that I take her to MedVet critical care unit tonight. When I picked her up she was still in considerable pain due to the severity of inflammation, but still mustered the energy to almost jump into my seat when she thought I was leaving. I just spoke to the ER doctor who will be caring for her until she is transferred to the cc unit in the morning and she will be making sure to keep her as comfortable as possible. I wont be able to visit her here due to covid and am growing more concerned for her by the day, so please keep the both of us in your prayers.