Please help with Milton's Medical Expenses

Hi!

I'm Paula, Milton's Mom! Although it pains my ego to admit this... I need help.

Milton is a 9 year old mini dachshund, or as I like to say wiener dog. He embraces his name, and is a true comedian like Milton Berle. He is a long, thin little man, who loves to squeak his favourite toys, sun-bask, play with his siblings, and my personal favourite - 'give the wolf face' to show how excited he is to see you. Even better is he has no front teeth -- so it makes him even cuter (if that's even possible) when he smiles.

Milton has had a rough year medical wise, and was diagnosed with epilepsy in June 2021, while on crate rest for IVDD. More recently, Milton had been diagnosed with non-regenerative anemia and we are still investigating the cause.

In November 2021 we noticed Milton started to act not quite himself. He had been eating dirt in our yard, and originally we thought it may have been something tasty he was searching for. However, after a few days we noticed that he became more 'obsessed' with eating dirt, almost like he thought he was a backhoe (again -- trying to make us laugh). Since Milton was so healthy and acting otherwise normal, we were medically recommended to try probiotics to see if that would deter his dirt eating. However, on December 8th, things quickly changed to a medical emergency. After giving me a smooch (passionate kisses are his favourite) I noticed Milton's breath had not been the freshest, and when I checked inside his mouth Milton's gums were almost white! Milton went to his local vet who was able to run tests and determine Milton's red blood cell count was 15 and he was considered anemic and required a blood transfusion which was not available locally. Milton was referred to the Atlantic Vet College in Prince Edward Island, where he was admitted as an emergency on the night of December 8th for a blood transfusion. On December 9th Milton had an ultrasound, X-ray, and further blood work to begin to explore the cause of his anemia. He also had another blood transfusion on December 9th and was able to have a blood cell count of 29. On December 10th, Milton had a bone marrow biopsy, as well as blood work for his iron levels and b12 levels. Milton was discharged with treatment for a potential GI bleed, iron injection, and b12 injections. While waiting for the results we were to get weekly blood work to monitor his red blood cell level to ensure he was maintaining, and to check to see if his body was making new red blood cells.... which it is not.

Some of Milton's results have come back, and so far his iron levels appear normal. However, his bone marrow sample did come back questionable and the specialists are unsure if it was a poor sample or if Milton's bone marrow has been damaged from a seizure medication (Phenobarbital). Milton was recommended to return to the Atlantic Vet College for further testing sometime in January 2022.

Fast forward to December 31st, when Milton's blood work revealed he was not maintaining, and his red blood cell count was 17 -- another transfusion was needed. Milton was again referred to the Atlantic Vet College in Prince Edward Island, where he is currently in the ICU for another blood transfusion (or two) and further diagnostic testing (a GI Scope and another bone marrow biopsy). Milton has been admitted for the weekend, and possibly until early next week for further testing.

Unfortunately, I do not have pet insurance and this isn't my first large medical expense and I have been to the Atlantic Vet College in PEI in the past several years. Three of my dogs have had IVDD surgery in 2018, 2019 and 2020 resulting in a total of $15,000. Further, Milton's last admission on December 8th-December 10th cost $3660. For today's admission and testing early next week we are quoted at $4000-6000.

I hate asking for help, but for Milton's sake I feel like I need to let go of my pride, and ask for as many prayers as possible, and if any amount can be donated it would assist with the current medical expense and the unknown further expenses. If you are able to donate and you would prefer etransfer you can send me a direct message.

Milton and I cannot thank you enough <3