Hi friends. My Solid Gold Iris and I have had a rough few weeks.

Sweet Iris began losing claws (down to the quick) a couple of weeks ago. She had the first promptly treated and bandaged. When she mysteriously lost a second claw while recovering, her vets and I started to suspect what's known as Hell's Nails (more on that below). As you may know, the loss of a claw is very painful. It exposes bone and nerves and there is a high risk of infection.

When we went back for her second recheck, more of her claws were painfully sloughing, and now all four of her paws are affected and bandaged. She is on an aggressive course of antibiotics, pain meds and other medications/supplements to support her treatment. It's been very hard on her (and me), but the happy news is, lab tests have ruled out more threatening conditions, and the prognosis is very good! While the disease is not curable, it can be managed, and there's every reason to expect she'll be back to her happy, active self once the treatment has fully taken effect and her toes have healed.

Basically, each time a claw is treated, vet costs run around $300 per incident, and another $200-$300 per re-check. She's lost six claws so far. Each treatment requires at least one recheck, and so far, more than one. In addition to treatment costs, there have been hospital stays and lab fees. I am overwhelmed by the vet bills. I am sad and embarrassed to say I can't pay them and keep myself afloat.

I have faith my girl is gonna be ok, but this time is really hard for us. I am asking my friends, family and community to kick in any little bit to help us if they can. Even the cost of a coffee or a cocktail can add up to valuable and valued assistance.

Here's some more about the condition, with a link for greater detail:

"SLO is an inflammation of the nail matrix where the nail is formed. The pattern of inflammation is similar to lupus, giving the condition its "lupoid" designation. The inflammatory reaction at the nail matrix results in abnormal nail development and growth, resulting in compromised claws that lift, separate, and often fall off. Flare-ups are painful."

We'll keep you posted as my brave girl continues treatment and her sweet little paws heal.