What do you do if your new family member of less than 3 weeks begins having difficulty breathing for no apparent reason? You take her to the vet. After a late night visit to urgent care, you are charged, provided an oxygen kit, and told you have to transport her to be hospitalized. Well, meet Nova.

Nova was recently rushed to receive emergency service after showing difficulty breathing. She demonstrated signs of an obstruction in her upper airway. She spent the night in an oxygen kennel at the hospital. In the morning, in addition to tests and lab work, a sedated laryngeal exam was performed on Nova. During the exam, defects were discovered, including an abnormal membrane that was partially blocking her airway. The veterinary team was able to surgically trim the membrane, but they also found that Nova’s larynx isn’t able to move properly—a condition called laryngeal paralysis. Because Nova is so young, (9 weeks old) it’s likely she was born with these airway issues, making her journey even more challenging.

Following surgery, Nova is facing inflammation and discomfort, and she’ll need a short course of anti-inflammatory medications and sedatives to help her recover. Unfortunately, her airway abnormalities may be permanent, which means she’ll require special care for the rest of her life. Even with the best care, there’s a chance she’ll need additional surgeries in the future. Nova is also at a higher risk of developing aspiration, where food or fluid accidentally enters her airway, which can lead to pneumonia and other complications.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward Nova’s emergency care, medications and any future surgeries she may need to help her breathe and stay healthy. Sorry to ask, but anything will help. Thank you for helping Nova be able to breathe again.