From Anikin’s owner Christopher - Earlier this month my Corgi Anakin was hospitalized at the VCA specialty hospital in Indianapolis twice after my primary vet referred him there. Anakin had not been feeling well or wanting to eat, and his stomach was distended. The ER vet determined that one kidney was larger than the other and his belly was full of fluid. He was diagnosed with a kidney infection and kept at the hospital to be treated with medications and fluid removal for a couple of nights. After improving he was sent home. 



Anakin was completely normal for a bit but then developed respiratory symptoms including sneezing with discharge from his nose, and he became lethargic and did not want to eat his food. I took him to my regular vet who determined that he had a fever and put him on Clavamox. When his condition did not improve I spoke to the specialty hospital again, letting them know he apparently picked up something at his earlier stay. They agreed to see Anakin and do some testing at no charge. Treatment was overnight and included putting him on oxygen. They also conducted a number of tests. They released him a day later and set up a follow up appointment with the Internal Medicine Specialist. 



While home he continued to have issues, including being lethargic, not wanting to eat regular food, sneezing constantly and his nose looked swollen. He would eat some food such as cooked chicken but he became very picky, whereas before he would eat almost anything.

He met with the specialist who noted that there were some further changes to his kidney structure seen in a quick ultrasound performed at the appointment. The Internist strongly recommended additional testing including a CT scan to determine what is going on with the kidneys, and possibly consider a biopsy of his lymph nodes to see if an autoimmune condition was causing this. For now the Internist put Anakin on a high dose of steroids and a month of strong antibiotics which he hoped will make Anakin feel better, regain his appetite and knock down any major kidney infection he might have.

We have already expended $6,000 on tests and hospitalization, which is all of the funds that we have available at this time. Both my wife and I are correction officers working at the men’s prison nearby. We work opposite shifts so we can provide for our family of 3 children. I have tried to get ScratchPay and Care Credit but the amount we qualify for will not cover anywhere near the estimate given to us ($4,500 for a CT Scan and $3,000 for the lymph node biopsy). Plus they really are only short term loans that have to be paid back quickly. Anakin is my 6 year old daughter’s very best friend, and he is not even 3 years old. He deserves a chance to live a long and healthy life, and my kids need their Corgi buddy!

Owners - Christopher and Emily Blaes

Veterinary Hospital - VCA Advanced Veterinary Care, Indianapolis, IN