Meet Elsie, my 4 1/2-year-old Giant Schnauzer. About 4 weeks ago, she was diagnosed with IMPA, immune-mediated polyarthritis. This is an autoimmune disease. It will not go away but can be managed with medications and frequent vet visits to a veterinary specialty clinic where they have neurologists, orthopedic specialists, and what have you for animals. I was referred to this clinic by my local vet.
Elsie and I have been seeking a name to what she has since mid-August. We have now known for two weeks what it is she has that causes her so much trouble. At this point, all the vet bills are quickly approaching $2500 plus medications. She is the best dog I've ever had. She is smart and loving. Everyone that meets her comments on how calm she is and how she leans on my every word. I do not want to do the unthinkable to Elsie, but I also can't continue to pay out the vet bills I'm paying. I'm semi-retired and soon to be 66 years old.
Won't you please help me keep Elsie alive and on her medications? We are currently making the hour and 15 minute trip to VCA Veterinary Care in Fishers, Indiana every two weeks. Elsie's meds were just changed again and we will need to go again for the blood tests in two weeks again. We are trying to find a medication that Elsie can take long term without damaging her in some other way. Even the smallest amount helps. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for anything you can spare.
kate
