On May 27 (The day before Ciara’s 7th birthday) she began having some unusual episodes of staring into space,, not being responsive and having mild intermittent nystagmus. I took her to the vet - her check up and blood and urine tests were all normal so they asked me for videos. I sent several videos of what I saw to be unusual behavior and eventually, they gave me a referral to neurology. We saw Dr. Rennie Waldron at Upstate Veterinary Specialists last Thursday. Unfortunately, the possibilities are very concerning and the urgency of getting the MRI is high priority since they don’t know what to treat until they do the MRI and know what the problem is. Some of the possibilities are scary and their greatest concern is a brain tumor. It also can be inflammation of the brain and an assortment of less devastating diagnosis (see attached from vet), but we will not know for sure until we get the MRI done.
The fortunate thing is she’s in great physical shape and it appears like whatever the problem is I caught it early. I wish my regular vet had trusted me when I told her that her behavior was abnormal for her. It was very frustrating since They were dismissive at the beginning But they did finally give me the referral to neurology., I believe whatever the problem is, I caught it early. She has all her faculties. Her appetite is excellent. She’s had x-rays of her chest and abdomen done and there’s no signs of any cancer or any Abnormalities so we’re hopeful when we get the MRI we’ll know what the problem is and be able to get her into the proper treatment quickly if that is standard treatment or a clinical trial.
After being hit with the devastation of hurricane Helene nine months ago and the exorbitant costs incurred without government assistance I need to ask for help while I juggle funds to prepare for treatment costs.
The estimates I got from Upstate Veterinary Specialist in Greenville, North Carolina was between $3400 and $3800. The estimate I got from North Carolina state was $5400. The one reason why I am inclined to go with North Carolina State is they do have a current clinical trial for brain tumors going on that she could possibly be eligible for. If not that clinical trial there are several others that I’ve researched but they all require a definitive diagnosis and an MRI imaging
if you’ve made it this far, Ciara is very special to me. She is my emotional support dog. I am a 911 survivor.
Hoping for some amazing heroes to help fund Ciara‘s MRI and the beginning of her treatment.
Any and all donations are very welcomed. I’m under the gun to get this MRI done quickly because if it is a brain tumor or inflammation of the brain, she needs immediate treatment. I pray this will reach the right people at the right time and get funded quickly..
