Murray's Ocular Ulcer Vet Bills

Hi, my name is Christina and I'm raising funds to help cover my dog, Murray's, veterinary bills. Murray is a 13-year-old Chihuahua/Schipperke mix that I adopted when he was 5, and he means the absolute world to us. He was our ring bearer and Best Dog at our wedding! His hobbies include snuggling, cuddling, sleeping, being the most handsome, and snacking. He's an incredibly spoiled mama's boy and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Unfortunately, Murray has a few health problems. In the past he has had some severe issues with pancreatitis that were very traumatic and costly. He also has a heart murmur that has progressed recently and, within the past couple of weeks, developed an infection in a corneal ulcer in his left eye.

He has been to the vet twice for treatment before being referred to a Veterinary Eye Specialist. The specialist diagnosed him with a degenerative condition called corneal mineral degeneration (or calcific keratopathy). To quote the overview received from the doctor:

"Calcium deposits can form in the corneal collagen as an age-related degenerative change. Over time the deposits become very dense and brittle, and microscopic cracks form in the tissue. This break in the surface is an ulcer and can cause mild irritation or lead to secondary bacterial infection.

In severe cases large pieces of the mineralized tissue can spontaneously slough from the cornea leaving a large and deep defect. If the defect is too deep the eye is at risk of rupturing.

Unfortunately in patients this age the body does not mount a good healing response and without a good blood supply the cornea cannot heal. There is also risk of more mineral forming and sloughing leaving a more severe defect.

The best treatment option for this scenario is surgery to remove the calcified tissue and then place a conjunctival graft to provide structural support and bring a blood supply. Unfortunately Murray has a senile cataract in the left eye and has limited vision, so repair of the cornea would not repair vision.

If surgery is not performed then the eye remains at risk of rupturing and if this occurs surgery to remove the eye can be needed."

Due to Murray's age and health conditions, and the severity of the ocular ulcer, surgery to repair the eye is not a viable option as it is unlikely to actually take and be successful. In addition to his limited vision in that eye anyway, it will put his little body through unnecessary stress and pain for something that may not even work.

Our priority is to clear up the infection and restore his quality of life as quickly as possible, before the eye ruptures and brings him even more pain. This means, ultimately, removing his affected eye. It is a heartbreaking decision, but necessary to end this painful experience and allow him to enjoy life comfortably again.

Unfortunately, due to the progression of his heart murmur, he requires a full work-up with a Veterinary Cardiologist before he can receive any form of surgery. We need to decipher the risk level, as surgery on an older dog is risky even with no health issues.

In addition to these issues with his left eye, Murray shows early signs of degeneration in his right eye. This will need ongoing treatment and care to prevent the eye from forming an ulcer and getting to the same point his left eye has gotten.

These are very scary decisions to have to make, but we have to do anything we can to get this little man feeling better. With all of this medical attention comes a rather hefty expense that was unexpected for our family. My husband and I were just married in February 2023 and had our honeymoon, as well as purchasing our first home a few months later. All of these expenses left our savings accounts depleted and not prepared for a sudden emergency such as this. Asking for help is a difficult and uncomfortable thing for us but, if anyone is able to spare anything to help us take care of our boy, you would have our undying gratitude.

Here is a rundown of Murray's medical bills, including medications:

Upcoming medical bill estimates, not including medications:

And we know there will be more follow-up visits as well. Thank you all for taking the time to read this. Please keep Murray in your thoughts. Much love!