Hi friends. As some of you may know, since the day after his second birthday (3/7), our baby Oscar has been in the hospital ICU. After initially being treated for an internal infection the weekend before, he was officially diagnosed with Addison's Disease and entered an Addisonian crisis in addition to developing aspiration pneumonia. He is currently receiving lifesaving care from the amazing vets at VCA Animal Specialty Group in Glendale. He's expected to be treated over a five-day stint, the cost of which has exceeded our means. We're hoping to continue his treatment with the support of Oscar's friends and loved ones, aiming for a full recovery. Please share if you feel inclined. And if you're unable to donate, we ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

What is Addison's Disease?

Addison's Disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the endocrine system, making it difficult for him to regulate potassium, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Dogs typically present with a waxing, waning history of lethargy/depression, weight loss, intermittent gastrointestinal signs, weakness, and dehydration that respond, at least initially, to symptomatic therapy. The signs typically progressively worsen, and some dogs eventually present in an acute Addisonian crisis. These dogs exhibit moderate to severe shock as evidenced by extreme weakness or collapse, hypovolemia, prolonged capillary refill time, weak pulse, and inappropriately low heart rate or obvious bradycardia. It’s a totally manageable disease, and he can live a full life as long as he recovers from the crisis. (More info here)

Unfortunately, on top of all of this, shortly after being admitted to the ICU, he developed aspiration pneumonia due to ingesting regurgitation. Our brave boy is now battling these two life-threatening conditions simultaneously.