Help for Eloise's Heart

Eloise is a 2-year-old retired racing greyhound who was adopted in February 2023 one week after my husband, Chris, and I lost our 14-year-old dog to transitional cell carcinoma. Eloise came to us with a severe limp and her medical needs started immediately. I work at a specialty veterinary hospital and am fortunate to work with some amazing specialists, but even so, the cost for her appointments, diagnostics, and medications have added up. 

While the adoption organization was generous in assisting with her first few vet appointments, I do not feel right asking for further financial assistance through them as they are a non-profit agency and could use their funds to help other greyhounds. 

My husband and I have done and will continue to do what we can for Ellie, but because we had just spent a year treating our senior dog's cancer with a veterinary oncologist, we are both full time college students in addition to working full time, and we are trying to save up to buy our first house, this has been very challenging to navigate.

Ellie's medical problems in order since her adoption:

• Limping at time of adoption - evaluated by an urgent care vet then an orthopedic surgeon and diagnosed with a hip flexor/iliopsoas injury. She saw a rehab therapy technician for several weeks and received shockwave therapy to resolve the problem. X-rays showed an area of concern on her left femur/stifle area that radiologists worried about potential osteosarcoma, so we will monitor any limping in the future very closely.
• Drug-resistant hookworms - this is a common problem in retired racing greyhounds and Ellie battles these despite strict deworming treatment through her general practice veterinarian.
• During her orthopedic exam, the surgeon noted abnormal heart sounds/murmur and recommended a consultation with a veterinary cardiologist.
• Diagnosed with infectious endocarditis affecting her aortic valve, with the echocardiogram showing vegetative lesions on the valve and severe regurgitation, plus stenosis. Heart murmur grade 4/6.
• In July, Eloise had to go to the ER for a nosebleed episode that would not stop. Under the care of an internal medicine specialist, we tested her to see if she carried the post-operative hemorrhagic disorder gene, which she tested positive for. This explains the nosebleed. Basically, she is able to form clots, but they do not last long enough to stop bleeding. We will need to have aminocaproic acid on hand for any future bleeds and she will not be able to undergo any procedures without extreme precautions, not only due to this but also her heart problem.
• In September she had her 6 month cardiology recheck which actually showed improvement to her aortic valve, but the overall size of her heart has increased since her first echocardiogram in March. We believe bartonella bacteria, likely from a flea or tick bite, was the cause of the initial infection that went to her heart.
• She is starting pimobendan, which will cost approximately $80-100/month (we are still trying to find the most cost-effective option).
• Her cardiologist estimates we likely have 1-2 years before her condition progresses into congestive heart failure. We will do rechecks about every 6 months to stay on top of any progression, but unfortunately, her overall condition is irreversible. This is devastating news so soon after losing our previous dog.

As you can see, we've had quite a time with her and her medical problems. To date, her medical expenses are around $1500 between her general care vet, her team of specialists, and her medications. Any funds we receive will go towards paying down my balance at the vet hospital as well as towards her pimobendan and any future visits. We are incredibly grateful for any donation in any amount. Anything will help us to hopefully extend her life as long as possible.

Thank you.