Save Gizmo: Urgent Medical Help Needed

Help Save Gizmo: A Heartfelt Fundraising Effort

My beloved dog, Gizmo, is facing a life-threatening battle against a severe respiratory fungal infection known as blastomycosis, compounded by pneumonia. Last night, I rushed him to the veterinary ER when he started coughing up blood, and since then, he has been hospitalized and fighting for his life. The prescribed medication, Fluconazole, is crucial for his recovery, but it comes with significant risks. During the initial days of treatment, the medication begins to kill the fungus and causes the release of toxins, potentially causing further respiratory distress—something neither we nor the vet could have anticipated.

Gizmo’s journey hasn’t been easy; I adopted him just this June, rescuing him from a life of suffering in the woods of Kentucky, where he was found abandoned, covered in ticks, as well as a suspected gunshot wound. He contracted Lyme disease from the ticks. After completing treatment for Lyme disease, I thought we had seen the worst, but it seems the fight is far from over. The fungus that causes Blastomycosis, Blastomyces dermatitidis thrives in warm, wet, or humid environments, and we believe Gizmo contracted this painful infection at some point after joining our family. Blastomycosis is also known as Chicago Disease. Blastomyces is found in the eastern half of the United States. The medical records that we obtained from the shelter included a clear chest x-ray. Blastomycosis is diagnosed with a chest x-ray and a urine test. My veterinarian hypothesizes that he contracted the disease being in a new environment and that the fungus was laying dormant until his body underwent the stress of treatment for Lyme, and began to grow uncontrollably after the Lyme treatment was completed.

I am reaching out to our compassionate community for help. The mounting veterinary bills are overwhelming, and we are all desperate to provide Gizmo with the care he needs to overcome this critical situation. Every dollar raised will go directly toward his medical expenses and treatment. Please consider donating to help save Gizmo and give him a chance at a healthy, happy life. Your support means the world to us and our brave little fighter. Thank you for being a part of Gizmo’s journey to recovery!