Panda's Support System

On Saturday, July 8th, we had to rush our 5.5 year old Panda to the Vet. She was being extremely lethargic, weak and both her gums/tongue turned a startling white color. Our regular vet did blood work and told us that she has a very severe case of IMHA (Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia). She urged us to take Panda to the ER, due to the fact that her red blood cell count was DANGEROUSLY low and she would need a Coombs test, multiple blood transfusions and constant monitoring. 

Under our family Vet's strong advice, we brought her to Penn Vet immediately, the best in the nation, however the most costly. As being highly reccomended, we can certainly see why. They took in Panda to triage and began monitoring her right away.  Within minutes she was on IV Fluids and being examined by all the doctors. After anxiously waiting for an hour, we were told that the cause is unknown, but she was in VERY serious condition. She would need a blood transfusion immediately, which isn't a guarantee cure, but could work. We were also asked to make a decision, a decision no heart can handle hearing. "What code of CPR would you allow if Panda went into Cardiac Arrest?" Our hearts immediately shattered that this was even being asked. We chose Code Yellow - which consists of giving drugs and performing chest compressions to get her heart started again.

Upon leaving, we were given a possible estimate of this hospital bill. With all the testing, overnight stays, fluids, and constant monitoring, we are looking at about $5,000. With currently trying to plan our wedding, this is a huge expense we were not prepared for.  We are embarrassed that it has even come to this, but we are looking for any kind of support from family, friends, acquaintences, strangers, for our beloved Panda.  We will be updating this as we hear more news on her health.

Thank you all so much, from the bottom of our hearts, her brothers and sisters at home, and from our strong little fighter, Panda.