Stella's urgent medical treatment
Donation protected
Stella, our amazing little 3 year old black lab/collie mix was struck by a potentially fatal Fungal infection called Blastomycosis back in early October. Symptoms of severe lung infection were apparent and Stella was soon fighting for every breath to sustain proper blood flow and to keep tremors and black-out spells at bay. X-ray # 1 showed the spores had already collapsed one of her lungs.
Due to the lack of appetite, she quickly lost 15 precious pounds and our Vet. surgically implanted a feeding tube for regular feedings at home. 3 months have now passed and 2 additional X-rays tests results show that the powerful and extremely expensive anti-fungal medication as well as two rounds of antibiotics has had little to no effect and showing no improvement.
Blastomycosis, if not contained and controlled, will eventually move from the initial infected area (Stella’s lungs) to her eyes causing blindness, bones, intestines, CNS (central nervous system) and brain.
Unfortunately, after 3 mths. of this unsuccessful treatment, her medical bills have exhausted our entire emergency fund and we are left with only two options. The first is to reconcile within ourselves that we have done everything that we can do for her and let her go thru humane euthanasia. This is a difficult decision at any point however, Stella has rallied in many ways and has shown so much improvement, gaining weight back and her immune system is fighting very hard.
Our second option is to try a new drug and treatment plan that will require consultation with the University of Guelph and the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Toronto where they will administer a series of injection drug treatments directly into her lungs. She will need a lengthy hospitalization and constant IV drip and supervision. This plan will cost a minimum of $3500 and costs could go as high as $6000.
Needless to say, we are desperate to do whatever it takes to bring our Stella back to health. However, we need financial support to do it.
We are beyond grateful for any donations generated from this social outreach.
Brenda and David Temple
Due to the lack of appetite, she quickly lost 15 precious pounds and our Vet. surgically implanted a feeding tube for regular feedings at home. 3 months have now passed and 2 additional X-rays tests results show that the powerful and extremely expensive anti-fungal medication as well as two rounds of antibiotics has had little to no effect and showing no improvement.
Blastomycosis, if not contained and controlled, will eventually move from the initial infected area (Stella’s lungs) to her eyes causing blindness, bones, intestines, CNS (central nervous system) and brain.
Unfortunately, after 3 mths. of this unsuccessful treatment, her medical bills have exhausted our entire emergency fund and we are left with only two options. The first is to reconcile within ourselves that we have done everything that we can do for her and let her go thru humane euthanasia. This is a difficult decision at any point however, Stella has rallied in many ways and has shown so much improvement, gaining weight back and her immune system is fighting very hard.
Our second option is to try a new drug and treatment plan that will require consultation with the University of Guelph and the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Toronto where they will administer a series of injection drug treatments directly into her lungs. She will need a lengthy hospitalization and constant IV drip and supervision. This plan will cost a minimum of $3500 and costs could go as high as $6000.
Needless to say, we are desperate to do whatever it takes to bring our Stella back to health. However, we need financial support to do it.
We are beyond grateful for any donations generated from this social outreach.
Brenda and David Temple
Organizer
Brenda Temple
Organizer
North York, ON
