Hi, my name is Reanna and here's Scout's story and how this GoFundMe even happened.

Scout is one of the best dogs anyone could ever meet. He's everyone's best friend, especially if they have yummy food. He's goofy, playful, loving, protective, friendly, and aloof most of the time. He's full of personality. He's my main man, my best friend, and the one who taught me what true love could be. Scout is more than just a dog, he's family.

Here's a quick rundown of events over the last week.

Wednesday, 9/22 ~ 9 pm

Scout presented with a nose bleed that was brief. Lasted less than 20 minutes with no other symptoms. His attitude and demeanor were 'normal' which raised no suspicions for anything serious to be happening.

Thursday, 9/23

Contacted regular vet and set an appointment to be seen Friday at 320 pm

Friday, 9/24 10 am

Scout began having a nose bleed. This instance there was a substantial amount of blood compared to the first nosebleed. Vet was contacted and advised on how to attempt to stop the bleeding. The vet also directed to take Scout to the ER if the bleeding continued for an hour or if signs of significant blood loss presented.

11 am

The bleeding had not stopped and was still continuing at the same rate. The decision to take Scout to the ER was made. On the way to the ER I called ahead to advise we would be there within half an hour. Upon arrival we were ushered into an exam room where shortly after Scout was taken for examination. Scout was still actively bleeding at this time.

After examination, we agreed to begin diagnostic testing including CBC/Chemistry profile, Coagulation profile, x-ray - thorax, and blood pressure.

Diagnoses:

"Scout was seen today for right sided epistaxis (nose bleed). On exam he had normal vital parameters and was not running a fever. he would have intermittent bleeding from just the right nostril, mostly when he became more active (when resting in his run it would stop). Chest radiographs did not show any signs of an masses in the chest or lungs. Bloodwork showed normal clotting times, a mild non-regenerative anemia, and a mild decrease in platelets (but there was microscopic clumping on the slide). His total white blood cell count was normal, but neutraphils were just under the normal range. At this time, our highest suspicion for the cause of the bleeding is a tumor in the right nasal cavity, rather than a clotting disorder. The next recommended diagnostic step would be either a CT scan or endoscopy with our Internal Medicine specialist. If imagine does show a nasal tumor, radiation therapy can be considered as treatment. Today, we are sending Scout home with medications to help control bleeding, an anti-inflammatory medication, and an antibiotic to cover for possible secondary infection. We recommend keeping Scout as calm and exercise restricted as possible, as that seems to be when the bleeding will start up again. If he does develop recurrence of bleeding, you may place a cool pack over his nose to help slow bleeding down. If bleeding is severe and not stopping, he should be rechecked on an emergent basis."

An appointment with the Internal Medicine specialist was set for 9/29 at 9 am

Friday evening through Saturday morning Scout continued to intermittently bleed. The bleeding slowed and was noticed to not return after noon Saturday morning.

Scout continued to show no new signs of change in demeanor or attitude. Scout was monitored continually for any changes.

Wednesday, 9/29

After initial evaluation by the specialist we discussed all of the options for what could be happening and what to do moving forward for diagnostic. We agreed to repeating the initial blood work we had done on Friday, a full CT scan, a scope (to get a good view of things), and a biopsy. With CT results estimated to return Thursday morning and the biopsy within a week.

While being prepped for the CT scan and reviewing the blood work, the vet stated that three out of four of the markers had improved but his blood count had returned less than half of what it was Friday. This number gave us the information that there was continued bleeding internally. We discussed the options of holding off on the CT and starting with ultrasound. I asked the vet her honest thoughts on what to do to provide the best care for Scout as if he were her own child/pet. She was very frank with me that the best option, because it would give us the most overall view of what is happening, would be to move forward with a full CT scan and be ready to give him a blood transfusion after. So, that’s what we did.

While Scout was still under anesthesia the vet called to update me on what was found upon an initial quick read of the CT scan and scope. The good news is that no suspected tumor in his nasal cavity like we initially thought. What was found was a mass on his liver, and a foreign object in his stomach along with an exasperated ulcer and bleeding. With this information we believe that the nose bleed was actually bleeding from the stomach coming up and out his nose. (We will know more when we receive CT results) The scope showed us that there is a piece of sharp bone that had settled in his stomach wall and the ulcer was surrounding that. They tried to remove the bone with the scope, but it was too heavy. We then discussed what would be our next steps in treatment. Again, I asked her to give me all of the pros, cons, and options with projected outcomes.

We agreed that the best for him would be to wake him and begin the blood transfusion, plan for surgery to remove the bone in his stomach and the mass on his liver, and upon results from the final reading of the CT scan possibly having to do other things. The mass on his liver still may be cancerous, but it could also be benign.

Before I left for work I called to ask how Scout responded to the blood transfusion since I had not heard anything. The tech that had been working with him said that he had finished receiving the blood transfusion just after 2130 and had perfect vitals throughout. Scout was also perking up and ‘talking’ and playing with her. She was preparing to give him some food and water and take him outside. I warned her she’s about to have a new best friend because he’s definitely a lover of food. They’ll be testing his blood count after a couple hours to get an idea of if the transfusion was productive. With the observed changes in his demeanor we’re optimistic.

And this brings me to how I got to GoFundMe.

While I was sleeping earlier, my friend posted about Scout and provided my Venmo for anyone interested in helping out with Scout’s vet bills. I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love sent for him. I have had many people ask me if there’s a GoFundMe account. While I was never honestly going to ask for help or create a space for donations, the amount of amazing people who want to help has opened my eyes to that being an option. I never truly intended to ask for help as Scout is priceless to me, but because of the amount of love we have received and those who have asked how to help I will be making one. Know that if I don’t get the help to cover his full cost of care, I will ensure he still receives the best care possible. And if by chance we receive more than enough to cover his medical expenses, the remaining balance will be donated to another pet parent who needs assistance to provide care for their pet if their only option is to say no to providing care due to financial reasons.

Scout and I thank you all so much for the love we have received. He is truly a very special boy.