Kali joined our family in 2016 at just 12 weeks old. Cassie initially applied as a foster through Sweet Paws Rescue but when they handed her this adorable sweet pup, she immediately knew she couldn’t just be a foster dog mom. Within 2 days, she filed the paperwork to officially adopt her. Kali has brought so much joy to our entire family.

Our sweet Kali girl is only 8 years old and when they first started to notice her having a limp at the end of October, they just suspected she pulled a muscle. After about 5 days of the limp getting worse, Cassie took her to the vet. Blood work showed that Kali was positive for a tick borne disease called Anaplasmosis. It’s a common infection that’s treatable with antibiotics. After a couple days of improvement, Kali’s symptoms eventually worsened. They went back to the vet, where they did frontal X-rays. The X-rays came back clear, so they suggested we see a Neurology specialist.

Cassie took Kali to Maine Vet Medical Center, where they did an MRI of her neck and spine, more X-rays, and an ultrasound. The abnormalities on her neurologic exam were consistent with a problem affecting her cervical spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected following her MRI. Analysis of this fluid showed white blood cells that had characteristics of lymphocytes and histiocytes. The findings were concerning for an aggressive type of cancer called histiocytic sarcoma, though it was too early to tell.

The doctor sent Kali’s samples to the University of Colorado for further testing. Their analysis suggested that Kali’s cell abnormalities were more consistent with inflammation in the central nervous system. (CNS), instead of cancer. This was confusing and felt like conflicting info from what we were told could be cancer.

Based on Kali's imaging, negative infectious disease test results, and worsening symptoms, the doctor’s continued to be most concerned about cancer. It is frustrating and upsetting that we have not been able to confirm this diagnosis. We sadly learned that cancers or auto immune/inflammatory diseases in the CNS are often a presumptive diagnosis typically made based on imaging, spinal fluid, and blood testing results. Based on the recent progression of her clinical signs, the doctor’s are recommending we move forward with a treatment plan that includes a steroid and chemotherapy that targets the CNS. It is not ideal to start chemo without a definitive diagnosis, but we are concerned for Kali's quality of life and think this treatment is more likely to help her than harm her, given all the testing we have done. Histiocytic sarcoma is rare and aggressive, though other cancers or auto immune diseases may respond well to treatment. We are remaining hopeful that Kali can fight through and will respond to this treatment plan, regardless of whether it’s an autoimmune disease or cancer. Fortunately, the medications provide similar outcomes for both types of diseases.

All of this comes at a high cost and burden to the family. To date, Cassie and Ryan have spent over $12,500 on these diagnostic procedures. More costs will be incurred for medication, blood work, and progress visits. Trying to get an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment plan for Kali has put them in a significant emotional and financial hardship. While it is out of their comfort zone asking for financial assistance, providing them support will help them continue Kali’s treatment plan and help to save her life.

If you know Cassie and Ryan, you know that their dogs are their babies. They are family and this has been an extremely stressful and heartbreaking time for them. Please consider helping me provide financial support for two people who would do anything to help sweet Kali girl. Every little bit helps and we would be forever grateful. Thank you so much.