Support Tika's Journey to Health and Comfort
UPDATE: We saw Tika's vet, Dr. Chung, on September 25. Tika's preliminary diagnostic tests were performed. An ultrasound specialist viewed the tumor attached to Tika's liver. It was confirmed that Tika has progressive heart disease. There is no cure. We won't know exactly how bad her heart is until her echocardiogram has been completed on October 30th. That was the absolute soonest I could get her into a cardiologist here on the Peninsula. Blue Pearl didn't have an appointment until mid-November and was about $500 more. If her heart is too far damaged, she wouldn't survive surgery. The tumor that's growing on her liver is on the back of her liver and potentially would be easy to surgically remove. I'd have to have it done at Pacific Santa Cruz Specialists for 8 to $10,000. But we can't address the tumor until the cardiologist diagnoses her heart. To watch Tika walk next to me, you wouldn't think there was anything wrong with her. She just walks a bit slower and spends the vast majority of each day sleeping. She's still the happiest pup in the world...
The bottom line is that Dr. Chung believes Tika could live anywhere from 2 more months to 2 more years... I'm trying to live one day at a time, enjoying every waking moment with her, and being as close to her as much as possible... Thank you to all of my friends and Families who have contributed to tika's Medical expenses. The Blue Pearl services were $345. The diagnostic testing and consultations with Dr. Chung were $1,595. The echocardiogram will be about $900. Thank you all...
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Until this morning, September 18, Tika, my 12 and a half year old pup, was fine. Playful, involved, if not a bit slower on walks. I thought it was simply her getting older. Everything changed this morning.
For the first time ever, Tika didn't finish her breakfast. She was lethargic and wobbly. Her breathing was shallow and rapid. By 11:30 am, we were at Blue Pearl Emergency Vet Hospital. She was seen right away. Tika has an enlarged heart, congestion, and a "large mass in her abdomen related to her liver." Dr. Power allowed me to stay in a waiting room for 5 and a half hours while I processed the diagnosis and my emotions. There was no preparing for this. Dr. Power assured me that with medication, there is a very good chance Tika's heart can be stabilized, and she could live for several more years. Once we get her heart stabilized, the mass will be biopsied, and, well, I'll cross that road once it is in front of me. I have put Tika in God's hands and in the capable hands of the doctors who will treat her.
I have the estimate from Blue Pearl showing what needs to be done as soon as possible. This estimate does not include any surgery that Tika may need, the cost of which I did not include because I do not know yet if surgery will be the best option for her quality of life.
Today, Tika was sent home with two medications for her heart. I am recording her breathing rate throughout the days beginning tomorrow morning.
Please, if you feel it in your heart, will you kindly make a small donation to help me get the care my girl needs? Tika is my first dog ever. I've had her 12.5 years. I've never experienced love like the love I have for her. I want and need terribly to bring her comfort. I won't know what that looks like until I am able to get these preliminary medical processes in place... I thank you in advance with all that I am.❤️
NOTE: If you will send a request to me 6507730057, I will send to you a copy of the Blue Pearl estimate and a video of Tika trying to walk this morning...