(Nova, during my college graduation photo shoot in 2019)

During routine bloodwork in September 2024, our veterinarian discovered that Nova's Liver values were nearly 10x what they should be. This started a 10-month journey of ultrasounds, bloodwork, genetic workups, and x-rays to find the cause. Since then, her Liver values have continued to rise to a now dangerous level. Ever the stubborn gal, Nova refused to give us a diagnosis.

Until now.

Thanks to our last Hail-Mary round of testing before moving forward with euthanasia, we finally have an answer.

Nova has a Gallbladder Mucocele.

This is an entirely curable condition where the gallbladder becomes distended with thickened mucus that is unable to drain out of the biliary tree. There are 2 ways to treat this: medication and surgery.

For the past seven months, Nova has been taking Urisodol and SAMe as a preventive measure. These are the two most commonly used medications for a Mucocele. In her case, they are not working. Nova requires surgical removal of her Gallbladder (called a cholecystectomy).

(Nova, lounging with a former roommate)

While this is a major operation, it will cure her and has a very high success rate. Nova has been given a sub 2% risk of mortality from the surgery. The Gallbladder is a non-essential organ and removing it does not effect life expectancy. My surgical specialist has compared it to removing the appendix but more complicated.

Although older, Nova has been given a completely clean bill of health, except for her Mucocele and previous incidence of Pancreatitis, which is now well controlled with a prescription diet. Our vet has called her "the healthiest senior dog I've ever seen".

(Nova, as a spooky ghost)

Without the surgery, Nova has a 40% chance of dying within the next six months. Most dogs do not survive past 8 months from diagnosis. This is an extremely painful way to go, as the Gallbladder will eventually rupture. Without surgery, I would elect to euthanize her to spare her this.

Her most recent ultrasound (July 22nd) shows that her Liver is attempting to regenerate and heal itself, but the Gallbladder is getting in the way of that. This is remarkable news! Both our regular veterinarian and our internal medicine specialist believe that once the Gallbladder is out, her Liver (and her liver values) will completely recover. Both expect that with surgery, she will have several more years ahead.

I have never loved anything more than I love Nova. She may be "just" a dog, but she is my entire world. She came into my life when she was 5 weeks old (her breeder let her go far to early) and has been my right-hand lady ever since.

(Nova, during our very first meeting when she was 3 weeks old)

I don't like to ask for help, but right now, we need it. I have drained every bank account I have (and then some) to get us to this diagnosis. While a cholecystectomy is a simple surgery in humans, it is more complex for dogs. The surgery is expensive. I have been quoted between 8-$9,000.

This covers:

I am trying to raise $8,000 (or as close to it as possible). In addition to this gofundme, I currently have everything I own available for sale. I am also available for music lessons, French tutoring, laborious jobs, audio engineering services, and babysitting. I will work for sub-minimum wage.

(Nova, lounging in the sun)

I can't have all this be for nothing. I don't know how to live without her- Nova is my entire world.

There are no words to convey the depths of my gratitude for everyone who donates. I owe you everything.

(5 week old Nova, doing some light reading)

Thank you!