Help With Marvin's Medical Journey

Those of you who know Victoria and Matt know that Marvin is their life. Marvin is a soon-to-be two-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog (his 2nd birthday is on March 23rd, 2022), and he is currently fighting an uphill battle in the ER.

 

Marvin has always been a healthy Bernese Mountain dog despite some GI issues and suspected allergies. However, during the last weekend of February 2022, they noticed his eyes were extremely red, inflamed, cloudy, and swollen. They immediately took him to their primary care vet, who referred him to an eye specialist. Then, they found various inflamed bumps on his skin, and he lost his appetite, which was very concerning to them. Various tests were taken between their primary care vet and eye specialist, and they waited for results.

 

The second they got the call that histiocytes were found in his eye biopsy, they rushed him to the ER on Wednesday, March 16th, where Marvin has been since then. At the lowest level, histiocytes can indicate a lifelong infectious or inflammatory disease, or at worst, sarcoma, an aggressive cancer, common in Bernese Mountain Dogs. At the ER, Marvin had multiple tests taken: a kidney aspirate, kidney biopsy, liver biopsy, skin biopsy, echocardiogram, chest x-ray, bloodwork, etc. When they took Marvin to the ER on Wednesday, they thought they'd be taking him home the next day.

 

On Thursday, March 17th, test results indicated small masses in his kidneys and a lesion in his heart. He was declining, but he fought through it. He has been stable in the ER, but has been in critical condition in the ICU several times. We have visited as many times as allowed and without disrupting his medications or journey to health.

 

On Sunday, March 20th, bloodwork came back and indicated a growth of an infection, serratia marcescens, which seems to be a piece of this puzzle. This indication helped us figure out how to currently provide treatment: mainly antibiotics, steroids, pain killers, and an appetite stimulant. Unfortunately, Marvin does not have an official diagnosis at this point as we wait for more test results. Whatever he is fighting will be lifelong, and it will be hard.

 

He is a strong boy and has been using his handsome looks and charming personality to get king-like treatment at the ER. He’s surrounded by lots of love, positive healing energy, prayers, blankets, stuffed animals, good pets, and great people. We’re all hopeful and positive he will fight through this.

 

Unfortunately, pet insurance is barely covering their expenses. When the hospital initially called with an estimate of the cost for his first night in the ER, Victoria and Matt said, “Whatever it takes. We’ll figure out the finances.” The same conversation and response occur each night he’s been there. This may be lifelong for the goodest boy.

 

Anything you are able to provide will help Marvin’s journey and we will forever be grateful to you. If you are unable to contribute financially, we completely understand, and instead ask for thoughts, prayers, love, and support. We will continue to post updates here and on his Instagram (@marvinthebernese).

 

We all want Marvin back home ASAP, but want him to receive necessary treatment at the hospital. Marvin has big plans for the future - He has a major role in Victoria and Matt's wedding in August as a ring bearer. We’re excited to see him walk down the aisle (likely losing the wedding rings and greeting everyone along the way). Thank you - we are so appreciative.