Luna's Urgent Surgery

If you know me, you know that my fur babies are my life and through all my years of university and hardship, I have never asked for help. This is not easy for me to do, but I don’t have a choice given the time sensitive nature of the situation. About a month ago, I noticed a growth in Luna’s mouth and brought her in for an exam and subsequent biopsy. Unfortunately, this week I found out that the growth is a cancerous tumor (Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma) and will require immediate treatment.

This type of tumor usually does not metastasize, but it is very aggressive in terms of its growth. In a month, it has at least tripled in size and is hanging down far over her front teeth and is growing back into the roof of her mouth. She already had one tooth removed and this tumor grows into the bone. I will need to take her out of town for specialized treatment and surgery. The first step is a CT scan ($1500) to determine how far into the bone it has grown, and how much bone they will have to surgically remove to get it all out and prevent recurrence. The surgery (maxillectomy) will become increasingly complicated the longer I wait. Without surgery, it will continue to grow in her mouth, reducing quality of life and eventually introducing life-threatening complications.

Vet bills have already been over $1500 with another $1500 for the CT and then $5000 for the surgery and follow up testing, oncologists, etc. I know some of you may be thinking that is crazy to spend on surgery for your pet, but I cannot even consider prematurely ending her life for a treatable condition when she is still acting happy and spunky like her normal self. This is part of being a responsible pet owner and I will find a way to make it work no matter what. It's the urgency that led me to create this page and ask for your help.

Saving you all the details, this is happening at a tough time (is there ever a good time?!). I know times are hard for most of us right now with the cost of living and Christmas right around the corner. I simply do not have this much liquid cash or credit available due to other unanticipated expenses this year, but I have picked up another job and a teaching contract starting in the winter. Unfortunately, I can’t wait to initiate this process and this specialist does not offer payment plans.

I don’t anticipate coming anywhere near the proposed goal, but I am humbly appreciative of every dollar donated to help with Luna’s care. Again, I understand the pressure everyone is under so I completely understand if you cannot help with this cause right now. I know how much you all love me and Lulu regardless.

If you’ve read this far, you must have some connection to us so if you could share the page with those we may know, I would appreciate your help with that xoxo

Thank you from the bottom of my heart <3

I am including a link below if you want to read more about the condition:

ACANTHOMATOUS AMELOBLASTOMA IN DOGS