Support Sully's Life-Saving Treatment

Just over a month ago Sully started acting a bit off and stopped eating, playing, and jumping on the bed. I knew something was wrong and took him in to get checked out.

Diagnosis: Kidney infection/UTI - ok, no big deal! After a couple of weeks on antibiotics, we re-scanned him and his kidneys looked good and the infection cleared, however, the vet noticed a mass in his abdomen that she didn’t see 2 weeks prior.

This was very concerning and we were referred to Syracuse for more advanced testing. Long story short, Sully was diagnosed with a 4cm (about 2 inches) adrenal tumor (less than 1% of cancers in dogs).

I have been given three choices:

1. Do nothing and hope he makes a year

2. Have the tumor surgically removed - high risk surgery due to the vascular nature and webbing into the vena cava

3 Stereostatic radiation - minimally invasive, very specific radiation treatment to be done in Pittsburgh or New Jersey.

Given the complexity of surgery and some of the underlying effects the tumor has had on Sully (extremely high blood pressure being the primary concern) I have opted for number 3. Successful radiation yields a relativity healthy and normal life once treatment is complete. This does, however, come at a cost. An overwhelming $15,000 - $18,000 cost.

Everyone knows how much my dogs mean to me, and Sully is my first baby. He just turned 10 and I am not ready to give up on him! He is the happiest and most playful dog and he deserves a fighting chance to beat this rare cancer.

I am humbly asking for help as the cost of the treatment, travel, lodging etc. is just not something I could have anticipated. If you are able to contribute to Sully’s treatment, I would be forever grateful and I know Sully will give all the extra kisses to all of you for the rest of his days!

I meet with the oncologist October 22nd to begin preparations and schedule the additional tests he will need prior to treatment, and will share updates as this journey moves along.