Rufus’ Fight against blastomycosis
Donation protected
Rufus is a five year old dog that has been with us for the last two years, since we moved into our house. He always spent a lot of time visiting from the neighbors house, including having sleep overs with his best doggy friends, and although the neighbors have recently allowed us to adopt him in order to help with his care due to his recent illness we have always felt he was part of our family.
Rufus has contracted blastomycosis which is a fungus that is growing in his lungs. It is very difficult for him to breathe. We were fortunate to get his meds, itraconazole, at a price of $1 per dose instead of $6-12. He requires three doses per day. It can easily take 6 months to treat. He has had four days worth of doses so far, but it takes time for the meds to work and he is also at a severe stage.
He needs more intensive treatment including hospitalization, IV meds, and oxygen. The oxygen is the most expensive at $741 for 24 hours, which is a little over $30 per hour. We have set the fundraising goal at the minimum suggested treatment of 3 days and are only seeking help for the oxygen expense.
Rufus has a very difficult time breathing with shallow breathes, his temp ranges between fever and being low, his heart is racing along with his heart murmur. His appetite has been low and he has lost a lot of weight and he is starting to not want to eat. He doesn’t sleep well. But when he was in the oxygen tank he finally started to nap.
He has been fighting hard even prior to having the correct diagnosis. We are hoping to get him through this very difficult stage and that we can get him far enough along for the intracinazole to start taking effect.
We have loved Rufus from the first time we met his then timid sweet face. He is a very good gentle dog who is loved by our neighborhood. He has been by my side every winter while I load and unload straw bails for dogs in need, he’s helped us rescue a wild dog (his girlfriend), and often helps teach the other dogs how to walk on a leash.
He has protected us all so much, even more than we know spiritually.
We can’t possibly repay Rufus for all he has done but we can humbly ask for your support to help Rufus. Please If you can spare $30 for an hour for his oxygen or even $15 for a half hour that would help him tremendously. With love and Respect please think of Rufus as he fights this battle and send him your prayers.
Miigwech niibowaa,
The Bratvolds
Rufus has contracted blastomycosis which is a fungus that is growing in his lungs. It is very difficult for him to breathe. We were fortunate to get his meds, itraconazole, at a price of $1 per dose instead of $6-12. He requires three doses per day. It can easily take 6 months to treat. He has had four days worth of doses so far, but it takes time for the meds to work and he is also at a severe stage.
He needs more intensive treatment including hospitalization, IV meds, and oxygen. The oxygen is the most expensive at $741 for 24 hours, which is a little over $30 per hour. We have set the fundraising goal at the minimum suggested treatment of 3 days and are only seeking help for the oxygen expense.
Rufus has a very difficult time breathing with shallow breathes, his temp ranges between fever and being low, his heart is racing along with his heart murmur. His appetite has been low and he has lost a lot of weight and he is starting to not want to eat. He doesn’t sleep well. But when he was in the oxygen tank he finally started to nap.
He has been fighting hard even prior to having the correct diagnosis. We are hoping to get him through this very difficult stage and that we can get him far enough along for the intracinazole to start taking effect.
We have loved Rufus from the first time we met his then timid sweet face. He is a very good gentle dog who is loved by our neighborhood. He has been by my side every winter while I load and unload straw bails for dogs in need, he’s helped us rescue a wild dog (his girlfriend), and often helps teach the other dogs how to walk on a leash.
He has protected us all so much, even more than we know spiritually.
We can’t possibly repay Rufus for all he has done but we can humbly ask for your support to help Rufus. Please If you can spare $30 for an hour for his oxygen or even $15 for a half hour that would help him tremendously. With love and Respect please think of Rufus as he fights this battle and send him your prayers.
Miigwech niibowaa,
The Bratvolds
Organizer
Veronica Bratvold
Organizer
Red Lake, MN
