Main fundraiser photo

Help Nakoa! Leg Amputation and Cancer Care

Donation protected
I am starting this on behalf of Karla Servillon, and her 5-year-old German shepherd, Nakoa.

On February 9, 2020, Karla took Nakoa to the vet for what she thought was a minor sprain on his left hind leg. They ran x-rays on his swollen hock joint, as well as chest x-rays due to the possibility of osteosarcoma. He had no other symptoms. His vet prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for pain and antibiotics in case it was an infection. They also disclosed all the reasons as to why his leg was swollen, and one of them was indeed cancer. I remember how stressed out Karla was over that even that early on.

Nakoa had a follow-up vet visit was on March 7, where they did some blood work. He did fine. The needle aspirate was sent to the lab. He had no other symptoms. I remember we were texting about it. He was ok, appetite and energy were normal. The following day, March 8, Nakoa was no longer using his hind leg to get around. Today, March 9, Karla got the terrible news while she was at work that it was indeed a sarcoma. She was speechless, devastated and floored. When she called me, I immediately broke down. Unfortunately, this is a very serious cancer for a dog to have. It generally starts out on a leg and spreads throughout their body quickly, especially if left untreated.  It can be a very painful cancer for the dog. Fortunately, Nakoa seems to be doing fine so far besides not using his leg. 

Nakoa is the goodest of all good boys and the gentlest giant. The biggest puppy. He is so loved and we want to do absolutely everything we can to ensure he stays healthy and pain-free.

The standard treatment for this cancer is for the dog to have their leg amputated followed by chemotherapy to try to eliminate any of the microscopic cancer cells that may have started spreading already. As of now, we don't know what's to come after his surgery, other than the fact that Nakoa will need to live out the rest of his life with 3 legs. Fortunately, dogs tend to do just fine with 3 legs. Karla says he's already getting used to being a cute tripod. I commend her for finding a reason to smile through her tears, and for Nakoa still being loving despite the pain he is feeling.

Dogs who receive the amputation and chemotherapy may only live up to a year after the diagnosis.

We intend to get Nakoa all of the best treatment possible no matter what. If you have ever met Nakoa, I can guarantee, he has touched your heart and made you smile. If you have the ability to, feel free to donate to his treatment fund or simply share this.

Nakoa's amputation surgery is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020, for his left hind leg. The money raised will go into Nakoa's surgery which costs $1500, a possible prosthetic that can cost anywhere from $300-5000, and any other treatment such as chemotherapy. Don't know how much this will all cost in the end, depending on how he recovers. It is the last thing anyone wants to do during this time of stress and worry is to think about how much everything will cost. Nakoa will certainly thank you with a big smile and puppy whine. We will update you throughout this journey. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs

Organizer and beneficiary

Angela Nicole Cayabyab Manalo
Organizer
San Diego, CA
Karla Servillon
Beneficiary
Raised $760 from 15 donations

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.