Mummy’s painful ordeal started in August when an increasing number of small tumours appeared on her face and upper body, some even disappeared after using natural therapy oils and creams. By mid September she was beginning to cause us great concern. Two small tumours on her back leg had grown to three times their size in just three weeks. Our vet suspected skin cancer but wasn’t able to do a biopsy.
Mummy's leg in August
Mummy's leg in September
We took Mummy to a vet 100ks away, who performed a biopsy and sent it to Bangkok. The biopsy results revealed something rarer: benign vascular tumors, unusual growths filled with blood vessels that don't typically look or behave the way Mummy’s did. 2 highly qualified vets were skeptical and wondered if the biopsy was a misdiagnosis due to such a small amount of skin taken.
In addition, Mummy’s bloodwork showed a low red blood cell count and dangerously high white blood cell count, a result of her badly infected tumors. She was also found to have E. canis, a tick-borne blood parasite that attacks red blood cells and weakens the immune system, making Mummy’s condition even worse. She was running a fever of 40.2°C, which greatly alarmed us.
Four separate vets confirmed Mummy urgently needed her back leg amputated, being her only chance of survival. One tumor ruptured and shortly after, it ulcerated entirely. Necrosis set in, requiring her vet to carefully cut away the dead skin. This left a large open wound that needed to be dressed twice a day. Thankfully Mummy’s numerous small tumors covering her body didn’t react in such an aggressive way and were believed to be a different type.
Our hands were tied. Mummy’s white blood cell count had spiked whilst her red blood cell could had only increased minimally after almost a month of 2 types of antibiotics. The only solution was a blood transfusion. Our last chance was to take Mummy 200ks away to a large veterinarian teaching hospital which had a blood bank and excellent equipment.
We were fortunate to have an experienced vet, who knew us, to examine Mummy and she moved very quickly. She organized for Mummy to be admitted, contacted a man who still had blood in the blood bank which his dog didn’t need. We could buy it for a quarter of the normal price. This was all organized in a few hours. Mummy would have her blood transfusion the next day and her amputation the following day, if her bloodwork was good.
We visited her the next morning and my heart broke. Her little body was turned to the wall as the blood flowed into her veins, her head was down and she was shivering. I went into her pen and she wagged her tail weakly. All I could do was talk to her gently and tell her she will be home very soon and not to give up. The vet brought 2 thick blankets for her and we had to say goodbye to return 200ks back home.
Her operation went ahead at 11.00 am the next day, as the vet told us it would if her bloodwork was good. Thank heavens it was. We phoned several times during the day to be told she was out of the operating room and coming round slowly. Later the vet said she’s recovering well and will have another blood test the next day to see if the bloodwork remained good. We got the excellent news that Mummy's blood was good and we could collect her the next day. Mummy is now home.
As you may imagine, Mummy’s vet visits and treatment have already cost us a significant amount of money. We are extremely grateful to a number of fantastic supporters who’ve donated to help us pay several bills. But now we’re faced with much higher costs for her blood transfusion, operation and aftercare. Mummy has fought through unimaginable odds so bravely and now she needs your help too.
Please help us pay for Mummy's ongoing treatment, wound care, and life-saving blood transfusion and amputation surgery. We already know that her operation and blood transfusion and initial vet costs total 25,000 Thai Baht, $745.00, 563.00 GBP 664.00 Eur. Every contribution, however small, will enable her to rehabilitate and gain the strength to continue her life. The question mark over her small tumours is still unanswered. If they are malignant, Mummy will have to continue her fight with us, and her four daughters, by her side all the way.
Thank you for your support
