Stella's Vet Expense Fund
Our beautiful Yellow Lab Stella recently survived a medical emergency that nearly killed her and was completely preventable. Read about her accidental exposure to the artificial sweetener Xylitol and the harrowing account of her rapid decline and her timely rescue here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215030985507045&set=a.10200817767625481&type=3&theater
This is a recent picture of our beloved Stella. We almost lost her over the holidays and I need to tell you what happened so that I can spread the word about a dangerous substance that we had no idea about. Joanie and I have been on a Keto (low carb) diet for a while now. She was preparing a big breakfast of Keto waffles for the kids when a minor spill occurred. The bag of the sugar substitute Xylitol tumped and spilled about a tablespoon on the floor. We thought nothing of it as Stella licked it up because she licks everything up off the floor. Tate noticed Stella acting odd about 30 minuets later and called me over. She was in obvious distress. She was struggling to stand and seemed confused. As we tried to comfort her she just got worse and worse. We googled the nearest vet and loaded her into Madalene’s car. The two mile trip ended as Stella’s condition tanked. As I crossed the threshold of the clinic she was in the grip of the most violent seizure I’ve ever witnessed. The staff there at VCA Woodland Central Animal Clinic sprung into action. They were able to stop the seizure and stabilize her. Her care continued at Animal Emergency Center where she spent the night being monitored and fed IV fluids that replenished the blood sugar. I would advise anyone seeking a sugar alternative to avoid Xylitol as it is extremely toxic to dogs. It causes an insulin dump that can lead to seizure, liver failure, coma and even death. We are fortunate that Stella survived.
While we are thrilled that the staffs of VCA Woodland Central Animal Clinic and the Animal Emergency Center were able to save Stella's life we are now burdened with the costs of her care. The emergency fees were about $300 and her overnight stay, the IV's and blood work came to right at $1,000. Stella will need follow-up visits to ensure that her liver is functioning properly. That will amount to at least another $200.
I've set a goal of $1,500 to help us deal with this costly and untimely expense. Anything you can give, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.
Even if you can't provide a financial donation you can help me spread awareness of the dangers that Xylitol poses to our beloved pets by sharing my Facebook page or just by telling your friends about the dangers involved. My post touched a nerve as almost everybody was in the dark over how Xylitol exposure can possibly kill dogs, but it was also disturbing to find out that this danger to our pets lurks in sugar free chewing gum as well as a few sugar free peanut butters.
Thank you for your consideration.
Scot and Joanie Andoe
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215030985507045&set=a.10200817767625481&type=3&theater
This is a recent picture of our beloved Stella. We almost lost her over the holidays and I need to tell you what happened so that I can spread the word about a dangerous substance that we had no idea about. Joanie and I have been on a Keto (low carb) diet for a while now. She was preparing a big breakfast of Keto waffles for the kids when a minor spill occurred. The bag of the sugar substitute Xylitol tumped and spilled about a tablespoon on the floor. We thought nothing of it as Stella licked it up because she licks everything up off the floor. Tate noticed Stella acting odd about 30 minuets later and called me over. She was in obvious distress. She was struggling to stand and seemed confused. As we tried to comfort her she just got worse and worse. We googled the nearest vet and loaded her into Madalene’s car. The two mile trip ended as Stella’s condition tanked. As I crossed the threshold of the clinic she was in the grip of the most violent seizure I’ve ever witnessed. The staff there at VCA Woodland Central Animal Clinic sprung into action. They were able to stop the seizure and stabilize her. Her care continued at Animal Emergency Center where she spent the night being monitored and fed IV fluids that replenished the blood sugar. I would advise anyone seeking a sugar alternative to avoid Xylitol as it is extremely toxic to dogs. It causes an insulin dump that can lead to seizure, liver failure, coma and even death. We are fortunate that Stella survived.
While we are thrilled that the staffs of VCA Woodland Central Animal Clinic and the Animal Emergency Center were able to save Stella's life we are now burdened with the costs of her care. The emergency fees were about $300 and her overnight stay, the IV's and blood work came to right at $1,000. Stella will need follow-up visits to ensure that her liver is functioning properly. That will amount to at least another $200.
I've set a goal of $1,500 to help us deal with this costly and untimely expense. Anything you can give, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.
Even if you can't provide a financial donation you can help me spread awareness of the dangers that Xylitol poses to our beloved pets by sharing my Facebook page or just by telling your friends about the dangers involved. My post touched a nerve as almost everybody was in the dark over how Xylitol exposure can possibly kill dogs, but it was also disturbing to find out that this danger to our pets lurks in sugar free chewing gum as well as a few sugar free peanut butters.
Thank you for your consideration.
Scot and Joanie Andoe
Organizer
Scot Andoe
Organizer
Tulsa, OK