Stand by Vader: A Call for Help

Hi, family and friends, I didn’t think it would have to come to this point, but our sweet boy Vader is in need of all the medical help he can get right now. On Memorial Day, Brandon and I noticed some weird bruising on Vader's stomach. We took him into the ER, and they diagnosed him with an autoimmune disease (Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia). This means that his immune system is destroying his red blood cells and platelets, and the doctors don’t understand why. We immediately started on antibiotics and a steroid and took him to another vet for a second opinion the next day. Unfortunately, from this point, he has progressively gotten worse.

Tuesday, June 3rd, he had his first blood transfusion as his hematocrit dropped to a dangerous zone. He was also anemic and has a small heart murmur now in conjunction with everything else. He was sent home and told to monitor and seek our vet in 48 hours to check his levels again. On Friday, June 6th, we did not get the news we were hoping for our precious Vader Boy. His red blood cells had dropped even more than before the transfusion. We were told to monitor again, and they wanted to see us back on Monday, June 9th.

Brandon and I have been doing everything we can financially to fund whatever he needs for treatment, researching, and giving him anything we can possibly at home to keep him hydrated and fed. We have had to give him fluids and food through a turkey baster just to keep things afloat. On Sunday morning, June 8th, we noticed Vader was not in good shape as he would barely lift his head to eat breakfast or simply get up to go potty. We knew it was bad and rushed him to the ER. As soon as we got in, they checked his vitals and took him back on a gurney where they told us he needed another blood transfusion immediately. With the help of our wonderful family, we were able to pull this treatment off, but unfortunately, his road to recovery is far from over. We see an internal medicine doctor on June 10th to really narrow down what is causing this autoimmune disease and discuss a further treatment plan for him.

Vader is only 3.5 years old and I know he has a lot more life left to give us. So any donation or even just sharing our story is greatly appreciated. Vader has not given up yet, and we are not giving up on him. Thank you for listening to our story and helping in any way you can. ❤️