Our little 2 year old girl Chihuahua Kitty

Hi my name is Peta, my beautiful Chihuahua daughter of mine has been diagnosed with a rare illness called Necrotising Encephalitis. I’ve struggled to take in all the Neurologists information but scans of her brain tell us there’s a lot of it dying off that’s causing her so many extreme issues.

Kitty is our family and our absolute love. The last week for her has been absolutely brutal. Kitty has had a few health issues in her so far short life but nothing could have prepared us for this. About 1 week ago is when we noticed some very concerning signs and immediately took her to her regular vets. She started to be unbalanced, falling over, struggling to stand without all limbs separating, walking into things, irregular breathing, lethargic and just not being her usual happy self as well. Our vets immediately referred her to an emergency hospital. She’s had all sorts of tests, infusions, medications, MRI, and it’s breaking our hearts. As I’m writing this she is currently getting an infusion of chemotherapy medication that they hope will help the inflammation in her brain which is causing these signs. This is extremely rare and potentially fatal and we cannot even bare the thought. She is only 2!! She is everything to us and it’s just not fair. We are doing everything in our power.

My husband and I are struggling so hard to pay these vet bills so far we are up to about $7,000 just in this week and who knows what else is coming. We also have to purchase a lot of things and make a lot of home changes in order to care for her correctly. Medication and ongoing treatment. We just can’t loose her she is our world. I thought my family would never be in this position but we are.

Being a small business owner full time with Hey Polly I’m so behind on my releases I’ve missed some now and at the minute I just can’t help bring funds in to pay her bills. All of our credit cards are maxed out, no more savings. I’ve had to cancel a big exhibition I was doing in October cause we don’t know what is happening and due to cancellation I’ve lost $1,200 that could have gone to her bills as well. We are in a tough spot right now. And after so many of my amazing community suggested to do this and wanted to help.. I have to do it. I have to do whatever possible to save our little girl. Her Chihuahua brother Winston is lost without her

Kitty is often seen on my business and personal instagram bringing smiles and love to so many. And I am so overwhelmed with the love and kind wishes from all of my loving community. If you can help in any way no amount is too small and please only if you can. It would mean more than anything to us because she is the most special thing.. she lights up our lives. And she doesn’t deserve what she’s going through

Below is a copy paste in exact wording from her Neurologist at VRH Dandenong.

Diagnosis: Suspected necrotising encephalitis

Comments: Kitty’s investigation revealed changes strongly suggestive of necrotizing encephalitis. This is an immune mediated disease, which can progress fast and can be fatal. The initiating cause is unknown. Long term prognosis is guarded but the cases that respond well initially to the treatment tends to have better prognosis in long term. There is no sign of an infectious pathology but pending PCR result will help us confirm this.

Kitty was discharged home today while we were still waiting her CSF results, which confirmed the inflammation. Because of the progressive aspect of this diseases and the severe MRI changes, I have suggested starting second line immunosuppressive drugs to treat her condition mor effectively. Kitty will be admitted tomorrow for cytarabine CRI.

We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for anything you’re able to do. And Kitty would kiss you so much if she knew what you have done for her and I promise I will tell her she just deserves more time. This is just not fair.

I am posting regular updates when possible especially on my Instagram stories @heypollyau as so many of you donating know her from there. Thank you so so much. We cannot thank you enough.