Eye Evaluation for Michael
Michael's Story
Michael came to Willowbrook at the end of June. She was in terrible shape. She could barely walk, her paws were swollen and painful, her eyes were constantly draining, she was covered in ticks, she was gasping for air and choking when she panted, and quite frankly - she smelled terrible. Those around us did not give her much hope for life - but they didn't know Michael.
Michael's trip to the vet landed her a diagnosis of heartworm positive and advanced Lyme Disease... and she is estimated to only be around 6 years old. The vet stated the Lyme Disease to be the source of her mobility issues and painful, swollen joints. Treat the Lyme Disease and she would regain her mobility.
Michael Now
It's been almost 3 weeks since we brought Michael to the sanctuary. She has been on some strong antibiotics. She has been on an even stronger dose of love and kindness.
She has most of her mobility back, although there are still days her back legs seem shaky and less functional. I'm hoping that since the Lyme Disease treatment is for 30 days that this will also get better. The swelling in her paws is practically gone. She doesn't choke or cough when she gets excited. Her eyes are no longer draining, and she smells pretty darn good. Her left eye seems a little less cloudy than what it was her first day here AND we are pretty sure she is officially tick free.
She enjoys relaxing on the love seat and sunning herself outside. She is curious and quite intelligent. She is such a quiet dog and gets along with our farm dog, Mabel, and all the cats. The chickens make her a little nervous - but that's to be expected of anyone who isn't used to loud roosters and nosy hens.
Why This Fundraiser?
Michael has a fighting chance at healing from all her other issues, but Michael is blind in both eyes. We believe it is cataracts in both eyes but this evaluation will determine if that is an accurate statement and if she is a candidate for corrective surgery, if that is the case.
The general breakdown of need for the evaluation is this:
- $180 - initial exam that includes various testing on the eye)
- $415 - second diagnostic testing for retinal functional and an ultrasound on the back of the eye
If the initial exam reveals that Michael is NOT a candidate for surgery, all additional money raised from this fundraiser will be used to care for Michael until her forever home is found. Of course, we are hopeful that Michael will pass the initial exam with flying colors and the remaining dollars will be used for the second diagnostic testing steps. We simply want to be upfront with the spend should she not get clearance for further evaluation after the initial exam.
If money is raised OVER the goal of this fundraiser, that money will be applied to travel cost to get Michael to and from the hospital (its 4 hours round trip) as well as towards the actual surgery which is estimated at $4,500 for both eyes.
In Summary
Michael's journey is far from over although I would love to see the medical journey come to an end so that she can begin her next journey as a healthy dog in a loving family for the rest of her forever.
As a registered 501c3, all donations to Willowbrook are tax deductible.
Thank you.
Matt & Crystal
Willowbrook Farms Animal Sanctuary (registered non-profit)
Organizer
