In loving memory- Oscar Mayer Wiener's Surgery

Hi all, unfortunately, our beloved 11-month-old Oscar has been diagnosed 05/04/2021  with a life-altering liver shunt (medical term congenital portosystemic liver shunt) in addition has caused bladder stones, which can become life-threatening making this an urgent surgery. This is a specialty surgery making it niche- in other words costly. If anyone has followed us on our journey knows we never knew why Oscar was severely underweight (at one point almost under 7 pounds), severe GI issues, and lethargic (sleeping up to 20 hours a day). We decided to get blood work done to find answers, with an alarming find of various elevated blood levels (specifically liver enzymes in the 150s).. we decided to preserve to find a diagnosis (Bile Acid Test, Addison’s disease (Cortisol to Idexx) and Texas A&M TLI (Cobal/Folate), to get him healthy again. Just alone with vet consultations, visits, blood work, and an ultrasound, we have spent out of pocket roughly $1,500, we don’t have pet insurance. Moving forward, this surgery has roughly a shocking cost of $5,000-$6,000 out of pocket, needing overnight stays, follow-ups, medications. Even though when it rains it pours, I believe Oscar can live a normal healthy life after this, due to scientific proof of a high percentage of success.

It was a dream of mine to get a dachshund, and I believe I was blessed with him at the correct time when the world was closed as an emotional support animal, helping me through my mental health struggles and isolation. He spends every day in my lap (or sweatshirt) as my best friend, sidekick, and favorite hot dog. This has caused John and I to have had countless nights of restless sleep, emotional and financial distress. This is uncomfortable to share but I have had people ask if we made a go-fund-me, so I decided to.

 

Please feel free to just share! Thank you in advance for all the prayers, support, and love Oscar has received.