Shotzi's Medical Bills
Donation protected
My name is Jeannie and I'm an independent, home based Travel Agent, which means I'm haven't made any money this year given the current pandemic. I recently loss one of my dogs to heart disease and had no intention of taking on another dog, for awhile anyway, since I had been through so much with the health of my recently deceased dog and the expense. However, when I learned about Shotzi, who needed a home since her owner was moving back to NYC and couldn't take her, I felt I needed to help out. And, once you meet Shotzi, everyone falls in love with her. She's a Shar pei mix and the sweetest little girl. Shotzi's about 2 1/2 yrs old, hasn't had a great start and I'm trying to improve that.
At the time I adopted Shotzi, I had no idea that she had any health issues, other than I knew she had had a liter but not sure when and that she was originally from NM. The night she was dropped off, I started noticing drops of blood on the floor. I learned, from the former owner, that Shotzi had had surgery to remove a tumor then had to have a 2nd surgery to remove the gauze that had accidentally been left in her. However, upon closer examination, I noticed she was bleeding from her vagina and had a bloody growth partially exposed. I eventually had to keep her in diapers while in the house.
I began the process of trying to figure out what was going on. I took her to my vet who referred me to a reproductive specialist. I also took her to the vet clinic, who removed the gauze, to see if they had any additional input, they also referred me to the specialist. Since I couldn't get an appointment to see the reproductive specialist for several weeks, I took Shotzi to the ER portion of the reproductive specialist clinic. I waited 4 1/2 hours while they examined her. They told me they believed she had Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT), (TVT information ) which brought me to tears. It's a sexually transmitted cancer, which is very uncommon in most of the US, and would explain why CO vets wouldn't know about it. However, the ER Vet told me that to confirm it further testing was needed. I was also told that Shotzi needed to stay away from other dogs since it is transmissible, which works well except I do have another dog, Bailey.
When I finally got an appointment, Shotzi got the necessary scope and the biopsy was sent to CSU, who eventually confirmed the suspicion of TVT. I'm now waiting for my Oncology appointment, which I couldn't get until 7.28.20. This is only a consultation and, hopefully, a determination of treatment. The only treatment that will cure this cancer, per all the information I have been given & have read, is chemo. It will probably be a minimum of 3 and max of 6 treatments.
To date, I have had to borrow money to pay the nearly $2,700 that I've spent in testing, vet appointments, and diapers. I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me to help with my care for Shotzi. I know I will have many additional expenses, for vet appointments, chemo treatments, and any additional supplies/meds. I want so badly to get Shotzi healthy so she can start enjoying her life. She's such a sweet young dog and has been through so much. Thank you so very much for any support you can give, including prayers.
At the time I adopted Shotzi, I had no idea that she had any health issues, other than I knew she had had a liter but not sure when and that she was originally from NM. The night she was dropped off, I started noticing drops of blood on the floor. I learned, from the former owner, that Shotzi had had surgery to remove a tumor then had to have a 2nd surgery to remove the gauze that had accidentally been left in her. However, upon closer examination, I noticed she was bleeding from her vagina and had a bloody growth partially exposed. I eventually had to keep her in diapers while in the house.
I began the process of trying to figure out what was going on. I took her to my vet who referred me to a reproductive specialist. I also took her to the vet clinic, who removed the gauze, to see if they had any additional input, they also referred me to the specialist. Since I couldn't get an appointment to see the reproductive specialist for several weeks, I took Shotzi to the ER portion of the reproductive specialist clinic. I waited 4 1/2 hours while they examined her. They told me they believed she had Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT), (TVT information ) which brought me to tears. It's a sexually transmitted cancer, which is very uncommon in most of the US, and would explain why CO vets wouldn't know about it. However, the ER Vet told me that to confirm it further testing was needed. I was also told that Shotzi needed to stay away from other dogs since it is transmissible, which works well except I do have another dog, Bailey.
When I finally got an appointment, Shotzi got the necessary scope and the biopsy was sent to CSU, who eventually confirmed the suspicion of TVT. I'm now waiting for my Oncology appointment, which I couldn't get until 7.28.20. This is only a consultation and, hopefully, a determination of treatment. The only treatment that will cure this cancer, per all the information I have been given & have read, is chemo. It will probably be a minimum of 3 and max of 6 treatments.
To date, I have had to borrow money to pay the nearly $2,700 that I've spent in testing, vet appointments, and diapers. I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me to help with my care for Shotzi. I know I will have many additional expenses, for vet appointments, chemo treatments, and any additional supplies/meds. I want so badly to get Shotzi healthy so she can start enjoying her life. She's such a sweet young dog and has been through so much. Thank you so very much for any support you can give, including prayers.
Organizer
Jeannie Mathews Connally
Organizer
Centennial, CO