Help Jump-start & sustain Calla's recovery!
The Jump's could use a boost right now! Please join me in helping to give back for all that Ben and Jamie have done over the last decade+ for rescue animals by supporting them during this difficult time. Jamie & Ben's beloved 10 year old Calla girl has been diagnosed with autoimmune disease encephalitis, and she is on day 14 of treatment and supportive therapy. Calla has been admitted to a specialty vet for multiple days, and the bills have added up quickly. I would love to help alleviate the financial burden they have incurred thus far (over $11,000) so that they can be in a better position to get her through her final weeks of recovery.
Here is a bit more about how we got here:
Calla was admitted to Upstate Veterinary Specialists in May 21 with what looked like Vestibular disease, a benign condition that can look pretty scary. She was unable to walk without falling, she had nystagmis (flicking/darting eyes), she was vomiting, unable to eat, drooling and her head was tilted. The vets ran numerous tests done including bloodwork, fancy doppler blood pressure, radiographs, urinalysis and an abdominal ultrasound. There was no indication of anything more serious so at the time it was assumed that she had a bad case of vertigo for a canine.
She spent 4 nights at the hospital on IV fluids and they kept her on anti-nausea and anti-vertigo drugs to help her remain sable. She came home to the Jumps on May 25, with oral meds and a lot of love. She initially showed improvement, but on the night of Monday May 31 her health deteriorated. She was unable to get up, or even lift her head. Ben carried her in a blanket to the car and they rushed her to the hospital.
After a MRI and a spinal tap the specialist confirmed that Calla had encephalitis (swelling of the brain). More tests were needed to help determine the cause, which would identify the best treatment. And of course more tests = more $$$. Results from the spinal tap came back, and the doctor has confirmed that she has autoimmune form of encephalitis. Calla's own white blood cells (lymphocytes) are actually attacking her brain tissue, causing the inflammation.
They immediately started on aggressive therapy which includes IV steroids, cytarabine (a chemotherapy drug used also for inflammation of the brain), tons of anti-nausea, anti-vertigo and appetite stimulation to keep her eating. She is also on numerous pain meds. She was switched over to an IV autoimmune suppressant drug (cyclosporine) last night, June 3, and will be in observation through the weekend. Calla was in a critical state for a few days, but if she responds well to therapy there is a good chance that she go into complete remission!
As of June 3rd, Calla is responding but they believe she must still remain at ICU-level hospitalization until Monday (bringing her ICU inpatient total up to 7 days). Calla is making a ton of progress, and everyone is very hopeful that she will be able to come home Monday.
The Jumps are very happy and hopeful she continues on this path to good health. They have been able to visit her often, and have been prepared to do whatever it takes to help her gain the upper hand during this slow recovery for an otherwise super healthy 10 year puppy! Calla is a determined fighter and a lover. She’s brought so much joy to so many of our lives through her work as a therapy dog, foster host, and as an all around AMAZING DOG. She deserves the every chance possible to heal and come back home, and I want to help make that process a little easier on the Jumps!
To date they have paid out over $8,000 with an additional $3,000+ due on June 7th. There is no certain estimate on future costs, but it will be over $11,000 on the low end. Please join me in helping fill their cup if you are able.
