Cookie's Comeback: Help Us Give Her the Care She Deserves!

After several days of visits to our usual vet due to Cookie's persistent vomiting, we received heartbreaking news. Scans and blood tests revealed that she had an inflamed digestive system, spleen, and liver, caused by a digestive inflammatory infection caused by suspected liver cancer. A chest X-ray showed fluid in her lungs, leading us to be referred to the Emergency Vet immediately, where they suspected cancer and aimed to stabilize her for possible chemotherapy. In the somber private waiting room, Dakota and I cried and prayed while discussing options with the doctors.

After a long night filled with worry, we were relieved to hear incredible news: her biopsies confirmed that it was NOT cancer but severe pancreatitis stemming from another unknown issue. Further testing revealed septic fluid in her abdomen, prompting us to make the urgent decision for an expensive exploratory surgery. During the surgery, the vets discovered a ruptured lymph node that had become infected, which weakened her immune system, triggered the pancreatitis, and caused septic fluid to leak over her other organs. They successfully removed the lymph node and started a drain for the septic fluid.

By Friday, we received positive updates: she was doing much better and had begun eating solid food. After five days of recovering in the ICU, Cookie finally returned home. While we still have concerns about the cause of her ruptured lymph node, all tests for cancer have come back negative.

As of Tuesday, March 24th, our prayers were answered—miraculously, the biopsy confirmed no traces of cancer, and Cookie is recovering at home. She is napping, eating well, and receiving round-the-clock care from Dakota and me. Although she may need a sensitive diet moving forward, we are overjoyed to have her back, resting comfortably in her favorite puppy bed.

In summary, Cookie's health scare involved severe pancreatitis and an infected ruptured lymph node, which caused septic fluid to fill her abdomen. Thanks to God's mercy, timely veterinary intervention, and surgery, she is now recovering and back home with us.

The ER vet, surgery, tests, few days in the ICU, and cocktail of meds cost over $17,000, not including the visits to the regular vet before the ER vet. Altogether, the costs are just about $20,000. Luckily, through reserves, savings, and careful long-term planning, we have been able to pay much of it off, but still have ~$6,000 on a credit card. If Cookie has made you smile with her cute, small, snuggly, wiggley butt and you want to help out, we would greatly appreciate the assistance!

Thank you!

Cookie, Dakota, and Emily