Pah Pah is an 8-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier who went in for a routine dental cleaning and ended up having emergency surgery when a large tumor was found in the back of his throat. While the tumor was completely removed with clean margins, they were paper-thin margins due to the tumor’s location. The tumor was located directly next to a large inflamed lymph node in the tonsils. The tumor was just barely in reach of the instruments used for removal. The tumor was quickly sent out for a pathology diagnosis and was determined to be cancerous. He was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma only 5 days later.

Upon a follow-up visit with his veterinarian, we realized that due to his behavior and the way he breathed, in all probability, the cancer had already spread to his lungs and possibly throughout the rest of his body. It was recommended that he have X-rays of his lungs and a biopsy of the inflamed lymph node. The cost of X-rays alone was over $500, and the cost of a biopsy was unknown as he would have to travel to a vet over 200 miles away. Due to financial restraints, we were unable to do either, and he instead received an injection for pain control and to help reduce the swelling still present from the original surgery. It was decided that we could not afford to attempt to treat the cancer, so we were referred to a veterinary oncologist to determine how to provide the best possible quality of life for him until he crosses the Rainbow Bridge. But to do this, we still need to do X-rays and a biopsy to determine how we do this.

I hate having to ask for help with this, but I need help raising the money to afford this. I am hoping to raise $5000 to do the surgery and to afford the medications to help keep him comfortable and pain-free for what time he has left. If you could help with a little bit, Pah Pah would greatly appreciate it, and I would as well. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and considering helping.

Pah Pah and Nicole.