Rasputin's Vet Bills
THE MEDICAL EMERGENCY: Two days ago, Raz started having partial seizures that quickly escalated in frequency. He was rushed to the vet, where they thought he had ingested something, but his bloodwork and urine came back clear. He was referred to a 24 hr vet hospital for overnight observation and recommended to a neurological specialist, who prescribed anti-seizure medication and suggested an MRI ($2200) and possible spinal tap ($400) because she suspects a swelling or tumour on one side of his brain.
However, we also need to have an ultrasound done to check for HCM ($4-500) because his previous scans have always come back equivocal (can't confirm or rule out) and his father ended up developing HCM later in life, so he's at a 50% risk of developing it himself.
THE VIDEOS: These are difficult to watch, but if you need to be sure this is serious, you can see a couple of his seizing episodes I managed to document here:
1 - https://youtu.be/7ha3FwNYO8Y
2 - https://youtu.be/X8cWZWnkBTo
THE MONEY: I am at a point in my life where I have very little money. I had to cancel a flight to see my family over the holidays, and so am also dealing with this alone. I paid for the $450 initial vet bill out of pocket, which was almost everything I had.
I have been approved for a payment plan of up to $4000 with the vet hospital, but with three overnights at the hospital (the first night and consults alone came up to $750) and the further testing needing to be done, I'm already looking at surpassing that amount, and that's not even including gas to drive back and forth from there, food for myself, and rent which is coming up in less than two weeks. As I was planning to be out of town, I have very little food at home to take care of myself in the midst of this emergency, and I have already spent my rent money on the vet bills.
Because I was planning to be out of town, I have no work lined up, and even if I had work, I wouldn't be able to raise enough as soon as I need, which is ASAP as the MRI is planned for tomorrow to ensure it gets done before the specialist is gone for the holidays.
initial vet: $450
initial hospital bill: $750
ultrasound: $4-500
cost for MRI: $2200
spinal tap: $400
partial total: $4300
not known: cost for 2+ nights stay at hospital, anti-seizure medication + possible other meds, other tests, specialty food for Raz when he comes home, food & gas for me
If I can raise the full amount, that would be amazing, but if not EVERY LITTLE BIT STILL HELPS ME. If I get anything extra, I will be able to pay off the payment plan faster and avoid going into further debt.
Rasputin came to me at a very difficult time in my life and along with his sister, have been my greatest joys in life and huge emotional supports. There is no question that I will do whatever is necessary to make sure he gets the care and treatment he needs, but this coming at the time it has is hitting me pretty hard. I am separated from my family for the holidays and my baby is in the hospital. I hate asking, but I need help and I will be eternally grateful for whatever I can get. Thank you!!!
