***URGENT*** This is my precious Piccolo Gioiello (my ‘little jewel’ in Italian) that I was blessed with on July 9, 2014 from an overpacked shelter in Orange County, CA. She was only 3 months old. I was 24 and needed a companion. Who would’ve known that I’d also get a teacher, a protector, and a travel buddy that would eventually help me understand the true meaning of unconditional love and become the most integral part of my life.

Growing up I’ve only had large dogs; beautiful labs & goldens… I never EVER thought that I’d get a chihuahua because I was aware of the attached stereotype. I was hesitant to explore our potential together at the shelter, but once the volunteer let her down to come see me, she sprinted right into my arms and endlessly licked my face as if she already knew me or was waiting for me. We were instantly bonded for eternity from that moment on and I knew that she was meant for me, and I her. So that was that. She came home with me and so began a beautiful story of a girl and her soul dog.

The memories we have created are unforgettable and we are not ready for them to end. In the last couple of weeks I noticed Piccolo acting off. One night I came home from work and she was as excited as ever to see me. We went to our room where she took a drink of water. I heard a clank, looked to my right and noticed she was wobbly, trying not to lose her balance. I called her name, she carefully walked toward me and just laid down looking terrified and confused. I held her for the rest of the night and she seemed fine. A few nights later she woke up around 2:30am panting heavily. My touch was the only thing that brought her comfort.

I knew it was time to get her checked out by a vet so the next day I went. Within a couple (& expensive) visits I learnt that she is suffering from Pericardial Effusion - a somewhat uncommon condition, but when diagnosed can be serious. In Piccolos case it is very serious:

DIAGNOSIS:

Heart base mass (30 mm x 30 mm) around the aortic root

Fresh blood clot (30 mm x 10 mm) in the pericardial space Mild pericardial effusion

Cardiac tamponade

INTERPRETATION:

Aheart base mass (30 mm x30 mm) is identified right next to the base of the aortic arch. The cause of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade on Piccolo is heart base tumor. Afresh blood clot ni the pericardial space implies that tumor bleeding recently occurred (within the last 3-5 days ago) and that acute tumor bleeding can continue to happen or recur. The location of the mass is suggestive of chemodectoma. The right atrium collapses during diastole and does not expand during diastole due to elevated intrapericardial pressure, which is consistent with cardiac tamponade. Heart failure medications such as furosemide or pimobendan are not indicated, because furosemide may can easily cause azotemia and volume depletion. Rather, VI fluid therapy is warranted to improve intracardiac filing volume and to prevent hypotension or shock. Pericardiocentesis is indicated, even though risks of complications are high (due to a small volume of pericardial effusion in a small sized dog). The depth of pericardial effusion between the pericardium and the epicardium is 13 mm.

There is no definitive medical or surgical treatment option available for the heart base mass. Apalliative pericardiectomy can be considered to prevent pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. There is no standardized chemotherapy established for this type of cardiac tumor.

Piccolo is at risk of developing recurrent cardiac tamponade, systemic hypotension, arrhythmia, abdominal distension, and sudden death.

Poor prognosis.

SeungWoo Jung

DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology), DAiCVIM (Cardiology)

the procedure she needs is called an Apalliative pericardiectomy and we were quoted $7k-$10k which is surprisingly on the lower end. Funds will be used towards her procedure and any emergency visits if necessary, along with prescriptions.

The Doctors are shocked at her diagnosis because of how lively she is. She has so much more life and my plan was to travel the United States with her so she can see part of the world & we could make more fun memories. This treatment can extend her life 1-2 years, but I bet it would go past that timeframe.

I’ve been encouraged to prepare mentally to let go, but I am not a quitter & neither is Piccolo. I simply can’t accept defeat without at least trying first. If the roles were reversed, she would fight for me too.

piccolo has a whole team rallying behind her which has touched my heart more than anyone even knows. Piccolo is truly special and deserves a second chance.

I've never been one to ask for help, but this is URGENT & I’d do anything for my girl - ANY donation is more than appreciated and if you can’t, please share and if you can’t do that, I beg that you pray for us.

if you have any questions please feel free to reach out. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts