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I am not one to ask for help, especially a hand out of money, but I feel the need at this time. In May, 2014, I took in a mini sheltie, Zander, who turned 10 years old in November, 2014. His previous owner could no longer have him due to housing issues and I'm a sucker for a cute face.... so here we are. He is a handsome little man with so much personality and fit in with the family very quickly.
Recently Zander has started to have some issues with coughing, and I noticed some blood in the mucous. I took him in for a checkup only to find out he has a large tumor in his abdomen.
See Zander was never neutered, but did not have both testicles descend so one is still inside his abdomen. Retained testicles is scientifically called cryptorchidism and surgical removal is the only option. Undescended testicles are prone to cancer. Testicles start out inside the abdomen and have a fibrous "string" attached to them to pull them to where they are supposed to be. The "string" actually shrinks until it pulls the testicle into the scrotum. They are still attached to the "string". It is not locked in place, just kind of floating in his abdomen. This free floating is the problem. As it free floats, the "string" can wrap around itself or other organs and strangle itself or the organ. Then you are talking emergency surgery and possible death. I know maybe this is too much information but in order to understand I have to divulge the nitty-gritty.
Due to the length of time that Zander has had this condition a tumor has now grown in the abdomen, pushing on the intestines and stomach, causing several hernias. Fortunately Zander's blood work has come back passing as far as kidney, liver function and blood platelets, and he is a great candidate for surgery. They did find that he is positive for Lyme disease so I will have to deal with antibiotics for that. A very optimistic veterinarian said that surgery was the only option and that the tumor could be removed and hernias fixed; unfortunately, at a cost of approximately $2,500. After spending $387 on just exams and lab testing, I am scrambling trying to figure something out for our poor little guy. I am the head of a household with two teenagers, three dogs, and two cats! My budget is stretched to the limit and I'm trying to do everything I can.
I chose to do an All-or-Nothing fundraiser because I do not want to just take donations if I cannot raise enough money for the surgery.
Anything helps and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Recently Zander has started to have some issues with coughing, and I noticed some blood in the mucous. I took him in for a checkup only to find out he has a large tumor in his abdomen.
See Zander was never neutered, but did not have both testicles descend so one is still inside his abdomen. Retained testicles is scientifically called cryptorchidism and surgical removal is the only option. Undescended testicles are prone to cancer. Testicles start out inside the abdomen and have a fibrous "string" attached to them to pull them to where they are supposed to be. The "string" actually shrinks until it pulls the testicle into the scrotum. They are still attached to the "string". It is not locked in place, just kind of floating in his abdomen. This free floating is the problem. As it free floats, the "string" can wrap around itself or other organs and strangle itself or the organ. Then you are talking emergency surgery and possible death. I know maybe this is too much information but in order to understand I have to divulge the nitty-gritty.
Due to the length of time that Zander has had this condition a tumor has now grown in the abdomen, pushing on the intestines and stomach, causing several hernias. Fortunately Zander's blood work has come back passing as far as kidney, liver function and blood platelets, and he is a great candidate for surgery. They did find that he is positive for Lyme disease so I will have to deal with antibiotics for that. A very optimistic veterinarian said that surgery was the only option and that the tumor could be removed and hernias fixed; unfortunately, at a cost of approximately $2,500. After spending $387 on just exams and lab testing, I am scrambling trying to figure something out for our poor little guy. I am the head of a household with two teenagers, three dogs, and two cats! My budget is stretched to the limit and I'm trying to do everything I can.
I chose to do an All-or-Nothing fundraiser because I do not want to just take donations if I cannot raise enough money for the surgery.
Anything helps and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!