Maggie needs Anal Gland Surgery

I don't normally ask for help but this year has been tough and my 9 1/2-year-old Pug-tsu, Maggie, is in need of anal gland surgery to have both her glands removed. I was hit by the mass layoffs in my industry in January 2023 and have since only been managing with what I had in my savings, the casual job I managed to find in February 2023, and some government assistance through EI which has since expired.

When I adopted Maggie at 3 years old she had a history of problems with her anal glands and has needed them expressed regularly. When she was 4 years old the right gland required emergency surgery as it began to abscess as a stone had formed deep in the gland without my knowledge. Ever since then that gland has never functioned correctly but through a management program prescribed by her veterinarian, it has worked as well as to be expected and for the most part has been fine with her regular checkups to have it expressed.

However, as Maggie has aged, the right gland has progressively gotten worse and the left one is now showing the same signs the right had when she was younger. Her anal gland expression appointments have gone from a 5-minute quick and painless procedure with just the vet technician to a nearly 30-40 minute appointment requiring the veterinarian's expertise to remove the hard stones from the glands. It has become a very uncomfortable, stressful, and often times painful experience for Maggie, even with medication to help her through the appointment. The appointments have also necessitied more frequency from every 3-4 months to nearly every 6 weeks.

On her last visit, it became apparent to the veterinarian that this could not continue and that the surgery we had hoped to avoid is now the best option for Maggie, especially before she gets too old to qualify safely for the surgery.

The vet gave me some quotes and I feel the middle-tier option is the best option for Maggie.

The Lowest Tier ($2000-$2500): I was not comfortable with this option, as it did not include the hospital stay and aftercare with a medical team, and knowing Maggie and for my peace of mind, I would want her to have a nurse on hand during the first 24-48 hours of recovery. The surgery is performed by the local veterinarian at their practice location.

The Middle Tier ($3000-$3500): includes the removal of both anal glands and her hospital stay, with the nurses on hand during her initial recovery. The surgery is performed by a veterinarian surgeon at the Animal Care Hospital.

The Highest Tier ($4000-$5000): would have a specialist surgeon perform the surgery and this would include her hospital stay and have a nurse on hand during the first 24-48 hours of recovery. Maggie would go to the specialist's Animal Surgeon Hospital.

The goal is to have the surgery performed in January-February of 2024 or sooner if possible.

All funds will go to Maggie's surgery, medical care, aftercare, and well-being. We both thank you with all our hearts (and some puppy kisses) for any help you can give to Maggie's medical care.