Hi! I'm Nichole, a Hope Rescue Ranch volunteer. I also fostered Powder for about six months while he underwent several surgeries and a slow-kill protocol for his heartworm. He came to the rescue with a long list of medical needs, and his cancer diagnosis was the number one need for treatment. The vet team also wanted to begin treating his heartworm and opted for slow-kill as they were unsure if he would survive the fast-kill protocol. So, he underwent surgery to remove his hemangiosarcoma tumor. He fought cancer and won, but we quickly found that his heartworm had not responded to the slow-kill protocol as we had hoped.

Over the last couple of weeks, Powder rapidly declined with low appetite and activity paired with increased coughing and sleeping. His primary vet saw him, and we learned he was in heart failure. The two options are euthanasia or fast-kill protocol treatment of the heartworms. Jake, his owner, wanted a second opinion, and he drove him to Vermont to see a specialist. His heart failure due to heartworm damage was confirmed, but a more optimistic approach to treatment was presented. The fast-kill protocol for the heartworm would be used but tailored to Powder. He has a 50/50 chance of survival, which is a 40% increase than the first vet was able to give. This process will require strict crate rest for Powder, increased nutrition to keep his immune system up, and multiple vet appointments. The treatment will cost approximately $2,500, and it will take about a year to get Powder completely healthy. The $2,500 will be used for the veterinary treatments for fast-kill, additional x-rays as needed, and any support medications needed to keep Powder comfortable and healthy through this process.

Please help Jake give Powder a fighting chance at life! This poor boy is covered in scars and has multiple broken teeth, terribly cropped ears, and a broken heart. He deserves a good long and healthy life from here on out!