Hey all! If you're here, you likely know me (Radha) and my sweetest pup in the world, Zara.

I'm here because Zara needs immediate life-saving surgery and I'd like your support.

This morning, Zara was diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction – a life-threatening circumstance which she needs immediate surgery for. The diagnostics, immediate surgery, and recovery costs ~$8,000 , which is a tough out-of-pocket expense to stomach spontaneously. So, here I am at a vet emergency room in Brooklyn, asking for your financial support.

Every penny of the funds will go to Zara's medical expenses to cover the tests, her surgery, and recovery. I will attach invoices as I receive them for transparency.

What is an intestinal obstruction? And why it matters?

If you're like me and didn't know what an intestinal obstruction was until now, basically it means she has an object blocking her intestine (see red # in photo below). Because of this, she's exhibiting severe symptoms of lethargy, weakness, appetite loss, vomiting, and irregular pee/pooping behaviors (if at all). If it remains untreated, this would be fatal for her within the next few days. I won't know the full extent of the damage until the foreign object is removed from her body and there's a full recovery treatment plan proposed.

How it likely happened?

Zara found a non-edible (but supposedly delicious-looking) item off the streets of Brooklyn and decided it would be a good snack at the moment. Typical Zara behavior -_-. I can't wait to find out what's lodged in there, post-surgery. I'll keep you all updated of course.

--Treatment Journey--

Friday 4:30pm: First diagnosis was possible UTI ($671.39)

I took Zara to Bond Vet in Cobble Hill for symptoms of lethargy, vomiting, frequent urination/defecating, and behavior changes. The initial diagnosis was a UTI that might have spread to her kidneys. The first treatment plan was a urinalysis test, IV fluids, anti-nausea injectable, and antibiotics for the UTI. Feed her a bland diet (boiled chicken + rice) with medication. The directive was if symptoms haven't started to improve (if she's still throwing up, and/or she's not eating) – she should be taken to the ER for

Friday PM: Symptoms became more severe.

Zara was becoming more lethargic, increased weakness (not able to stand for too long), and complete loss of appetite or desire to drink water.

Saturday AM: Symptoms have not improved

She woke up disoriented. Adamant about not eating or drinking. Wouldn't take medicine.

Saturday 9:00am: Second diagnosis - intestinal obstruction ($1,420.03)

I brought her to the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Williamsburg to do further testing. The doctor ordered bloodwork and X-rays. They found an object in her x-rays. An ultrasound increased confidence in a foreign body blocking her small intestine. An hour later it was confirmed by radiology she has an intestinal obstruction. Directive was immediate surgery to remove foreign body. Alternative was likely death.

Saturday 1:00pm: Intake + Surgery (quoted $6-8k depending on hospitalization length)

I just dropped Zara off, she’ll be hospitalized and in surgery tonight. I’ll provide updates when I hear from the doctor. Hoping everything goes smoothly.

— 

The receipts - Total $8,048.07

Bond Vet 1st visit ($671.39 paid)

VEG 2nd visit ($1,420.03 paid)

VERG surgery ($5,956.65 paid)

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An acknowledgement

I want to acknowledge my privilege in asking for help. Being employed in tech, I technically could get by taking responsibility for her medical cost. It would be tough, but not impossible. That said, I believe in asking for help from your community when needed. So, I'd really appreciate any financial support (no matter how small) so I don't have to carry this financial challenge alone. Zara and I would be eternally grateful to you. Free pets for life.