Hemangiosarcoma? Hemangioma? Having not known either of these words just a week ago, they’ve been the biggest cause of fear, anxiety, and dread for me and my partner, Richard, as they threaten the life of our precious dog, Aniyah.
On September 21, 2020, our dog baby, Aniyah (also affectionately known as Aniyah Papaya), went into the vet for an abdominal ultrasound to try to diagnose years of inconclusive gastrointestinal issues. Instead, we were given surprising news that our beloved pet has a tumor in her spleen. This news came as a terrifying new development in our energetic and loving pup’s health.
We learned that in two-thirds of cases these tumors are malignant (possibly hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer) but there is hope that Aniyah’s tumor may be benign (hemangioma) after X-rays showed no other masses spreading in her body. The only way we can conclusively identify if the tumor is cancerous or benign is to biopsy it by putting Aniyah into surgery and removing her spleen.
Given the location of tumor, her surgery needs to be expedited because it can rupture her spleen at any time, causing internal bleeding which could become a life-threatening emergency. Time is definitely of the essence.
While it has been emotionally difficult to come to terms with this scary news and make quick and informed medical decisions for her, we have so much hope for Aniyah. Richard and I remain optimistic and know that Aniyah has many more years of love and happiness to give. Without a doubt, we will pursue the recommended course of surgery; however, we are struggling heavily with the diagnostic vet bills as well as the financial burden of her upcoming splenectomy and follow-up medical bills, including, potentially, chemotherapy. Considering the urgency of her condition, funds are needed as soon possible to quickly give our baby the best fighting chance.
Our girl Aniyah, our goofy (furry) ball of light, has given us so much love and happiness in our lives these last six years and we want to make sure we give her all the chances at life as possible.
Any help that you, our friends, family, and community members might be able to provide will go directly to paying for Aniyah’s vet and surgery bills. We are truly grateful for anything you can contribute and hope that with your help, positive energy, love, and warm thoughts, we can get our pup hiking and chasing squirrels again soon.
Please consider donating and sharing (and ask others to share) Aniyah’s story with anyone and everyone who knows the love a dog brings their family by using #SaveAniyahPapaya and sharing our GoFundMe link.
Thank you for reading and sharing her story and for any contributions you are able to give to her campaign.
Yours Truly,
Alyssa and Richard
On September 21, 2020, our dog baby, Aniyah (also affectionately known as Aniyah Papaya), went into the vet for an abdominal ultrasound to try to diagnose years of inconclusive gastrointestinal issues. Instead, we were given surprising news that our beloved pet has a tumor in her spleen. This news came as a terrifying new development in our energetic and loving pup’s health.
We learned that in two-thirds of cases these tumors are malignant (possibly hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer) but there is hope that Aniyah’s tumor may be benign (hemangioma) after X-rays showed no other masses spreading in her body. The only way we can conclusively identify if the tumor is cancerous or benign is to biopsy it by putting Aniyah into surgery and removing her spleen.
Given the location of tumor, her surgery needs to be expedited because it can rupture her spleen at any time, causing internal bleeding which could become a life-threatening emergency. Time is definitely of the essence.
While it has been emotionally difficult to come to terms with this scary news and make quick and informed medical decisions for her, we have so much hope for Aniyah. Richard and I remain optimistic and know that Aniyah has many more years of love and happiness to give. Without a doubt, we will pursue the recommended course of surgery; however, we are struggling heavily with the diagnostic vet bills as well as the financial burden of her upcoming splenectomy and follow-up medical bills, including, potentially, chemotherapy. Considering the urgency of her condition, funds are needed as soon possible to quickly give our baby the best fighting chance.
Our girl Aniyah, our goofy (furry) ball of light, has given us so much love and happiness in our lives these last six years and we want to make sure we give her all the chances at life as possible.
Any help that you, our friends, family, and community members might be able to provide will go directly to paying for Aniyah’s vet and surgery bills. We are truly grateful for anything you can contribute and hope that with your help, positive energy, love, and warm thoughts, we can get our pup hiking and chasing squirrels again soon.
Please consider donating and sharing (and ask others to share) Aniyah’s story with anyone and everyone who knows the love a dog brings their family by using #SaveAniyahPapaya and sharing our GoFundMe link.
Thank you for reading and sharing her story and for any contributions you are able to give to her campaign.
Yours Truly,
Alyssa and Richard
Co-organizers2
Alyssa Cadiz
Organizer
Ventura, CA
Richard Ortiz
Co-organizer