Reese PDA Heart Surgery
Donation protected
Our 15 week-old puppy Reese was just diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). PDA is a heart defect that occurs when the ductus arteriosus fails to close down at birth. The pressure change in the heart results in a reverse flow of blood through the still open vessel (from the aorta to the pulmonary artery), which increases blood flow to the lungs. Too much blood in the lungs means fluid build-up. Too much blood in the left side of the heart means the heart has to work harder. Both problems mean this disease will end in heart failure, usually within the first year of life.
We got the diagnosis from the University of Minnesota today. The cardiologist told us that Reese already has an enlarged left-side of her heart. It's only a matter of time before things progress. With surgery this condition can be completely reversed. Reese could go on to live a long, healthy life. The key is that it needs to be done soon, to avoid any irreversible damage. They suggest puppies have this surgery by 16 weeks of age.
Surgery alone will be close to $5,000. The cardiologist also said we will need blood and urine testing prior to surgery, as well as post-op checkups. He estimated this would be an additional $1,500. That's a total of $6,500!
Our hearts are so incredibly heavy, as we are not able to pay these fees, yet we love our Reesey Lou so very much, and don't want to see her life cut short. She is just a puppy! This is why we are reaching out. We know we can't do this alone.
Reese is the most affectionate dog we have ever met! Every morning she has to give each of us kisses upon kisses. She's not satisfied until we pick her up, and let her kiss and nuzzle us. We love it as much as she does! If one of us is still sleeping she will whine at the steps, or try to jump over the baby gate, to get to the missing person. When we go out for walks she wants to greet every person, or dog, or bird she meets. When we take her off-leash on the trails she stays right with us. She will circle back and forth between the slowest family member and the fastest. She has an incredible need to keep us all together.
We understand that there are so many needs out there right now. We really aren't expecting anyone to give, but we feel led to be proactive, put this out there, and see what the Lord can do. We keep praying 2 Chronicles 20:12. "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you." We don't know how to fix this, but we do know that we serve a great, big God who is able to accomplish more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Thank you for taking the time to read our story! If you are able to give towards this surgery, it would mean so very much to us. If you're not able to give, please consider praying for our sweet Reesey Lou, and/or sharing our story. We are open to visitors as well, if anyone would like to meet our very affectionate pup. Her kisses are contagious, in a good way :).
Rich Blessings,
Robyn
We got the diagnosis from the University of Minnesota today. The cardiologist told us that Reese already has an enlarged left-side of her heart. It's only a matter of time before things progress. With surgery this condition can be completely reversed. Reese could go on to live a long, healthy life. The key is that it needs to be done soon, to avoid any irreversible damage. They suggest puppies have this surgery by 16 weeks of age.
Surgery alone will be close to $5,000. The cardiologist also said we will need blood and urine testing prior to surgery, as well as post-op checkups. He estimated this would be an additional $1,500. That's a total of $6,500!
Our hearts are so incredibly heavy, as we are not able to pay these fees, yet we love our Reesey Lou so very much, and don't want to see her life cut short. She is just a puppy! This is why we are reaching out. We know we can't do this alone.
Reese is the most affectionate dog we have ever met! Every morning she has to give each of us kisses upon kisses. She's not satisfied until we pick her up, and let her kiss and nuzzle us. We love it as much as she does! If one of us is still sleeping she will whine at the steps, or try to jump over the baby gate, to get to the missing person. When we go out for walks she wants to greet every person, or dog, or bird she meets. When we take her off-leash on the trails she stays right with us. She will circle back and forth between the slowest family member and the fastest. She has an incredible need to keep us all together.
We understand that there are so many needs out there right now. We really aren't expecting anyone to give, but we feel led to be proactive, put this out there, and see what the Lord can do. We keep praying 2 Chronicles 20:12. "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you." We don't know how to fix this, but we do know that we serve a great, big God who is able to accomplish more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Thank you for taking the time to read our story! If you are able to give towards this surgery, it would mean so very much to us. If you're not able to give, please consider praying for our sweet Reesey Lou, and/or sharing our story. We are open to visitors as well, if anyone would like to meet our very affectionate pup. Her kisses are contagious, in a good way :).
Rich Blessings,
Robyn
Organizer
Robyn 'Weiskopf' Sjostrom
Organizer
Stillwater, MN
