Appa VS. The Moldy Bagel

As if the rest of 2020 wasn't punishment enough...

On 10/8, an ancient and positively revolting, moldy black bagel was unearthed during construction from the empty lot behind our home. For such a small thing, this bagel would change the course of our lives in only a week. 

Appa, our 9 yr-old husky boy, grabbed this morsel through the fence during one of our daily backyard chill sessions. Proud of himself, he trotted towards me to show off his prize. Horrified at the nasty thing in his mouth, I immediately jumped up from lounging and yelled at him to 'drop it!' - but he only took this as a signal to bolt and scarf a good portion of it before I could grab him and wrestle it away. Of course, we thought it was gross and hoped that this would be like one of the many other times our dogs have eaten Things They Aren't Supposed To Eat - like toys, cat poop, fertilizer, my growing fruit... and sure enough, the bagel came up later (along with his breakfast) in a pile on our living room carpet.

We thought (naively) that we were out of the woods now that the bagel was out of Appa. We didn't notice any change right away - Appa is something of a lazy husky and mostly lays around while in the house. But one thing that is for sure is that he NEVER misses a meal. And that night, he refused dinner. 

Fast forward a week and through several worsening days of continuous IV drips, a potent medication cocktail, 2 plasma transfusions, and force feeding. The specialists at the ER (to which we were referred) scratched their heads as they eliminated possible diagnoses. The resulting aflatoxins in the moldy bagel apparently really did a number on Appa's liver and gallbladder, and he's been fighting low platelet counts and white blood cell counts through the roof. His liver cells were dying, his gallbladder was inflammed and there were suspicions of an obstruction, but the multiple ultrasounds revealed nothing but the thickening walls of the gallbladder, likely overwhelmed by the toxins wreaking havok.

A gallbladder removal was scheduled and completed successfully, and biopsies ordered for the liver and gallbladder to rule out cancer. It seemed like Appa was finally able to step through the doors to recovery, though he still refused to eat and the doctors became worried that he may be suffering from depression from this incredibly traumatic experience. The primary doctor on his case recommended we take Appa home for the weekend of 10/16 (along with a full bag of meds) to see if his spirits would improve. Maybe, they thought, he would feel calm enough to start eating on his own again, and his chemistry would improve more significantly. Relieved, we gladly accepted our boy and took him home. His sister, Azula, was happy and sniffed him all over gently, then proceeded to guard him from the office doorway (his favorite room).

Saturday night, after being pilled and still refusing food (even delicious organic baby food and boiled chicken!), Appa's lips became swollen, and we noticed his front paws were too. Queue more concern. After sending photos and waiting for word from the doctors, we were told to bring him in again for an examination. Not suspecting an allergic reaction (as he had been on the same meds for over a week now and had been fine), the concern of complications from the event and surgery arose. The doctors suggested he be hospitalized for another 24-48 hours and be put back on IV/meds while they continue to check his numbers.

Sunday morning: his swelling is stable, but not going down. His numbers are stable, but not going down. He is still refusing to eat. 

This is where we are now. At this point, we are totally tapped out, maxed out financially, and completely exhausted. Many tears have been shed. We do not know how much more Appa can take.

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This gofundme is to help us with the medical bills we have accumulated for over a week of hospitalization, gallbladder removal surgery, and many tests and medications. To the tune of $12,000 (and climbing). We just want our sweet Appa home and for this nightmare to end.