Toby’s Big Heart: Heart worms

Toby is a two-year-old Corgi-Jindo mix recently adopted in the past 4 months from Love and Second Chances, an organization that saved him from a kill shelter in Korea. Over the last few months, he has overcome his own anxiety around food, adjusted to living in a whole new country, and learned to trust the people as well as the world around him. At a recent vet appointment, Toby was receiving his updated adult vaccines. During the general testing process, we were notified that he tested positive for heartworm. They were unable to determine when exactly he may have contracted heartworm, but knowing he made an across-the-world trip before he was in our care, it’s not too surprising he contracted this disease. Thankfully, heartworm is a treatable condition, and he has the ability to live a long, happy, and healthy life. However, unfortunately for us, we cannot afford this treatment without financial assistance. The cost of x-rays and blood work alone to see the extent of the heartworms was $1,000. The two medications to help fight inflammation from heartworms were $200 each. Further expenses include heartworm prevention medication ($50) being given to him over two to three overnight vet stays totaling up to around $600 over the next 60 to 90 days. During that same time frame, he will receive heartworm injections to kill the heartworms actively. He will receive three injections, which each cost $275, for a total of $875. Our pet insurance unfortunately does not help offset any of the costs since heartworm is considered a pre-existing condition in dogs. Toby is an energetic, loving, and happy young boy who has a hard battle ahead of him. Please help us get this treatment started before his condition worsens and affects his overall lifespan. We are thankful and appreciative of any and all assistance and support. Thank you.