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
