UPDATE – Nov 10
Time to check-in with her Ladyship, Lydia.
After a prolonged wait, we finally received the results of Lydia’s biopsy, done when she was in hospital for her mastectomy. All samples that went out for testing came back benign! Lydia is cancer-free!
Because of this great news, her oncologist does not feel that the second mastectomy is necessary. Although she may look a bit different in her bikini next summer, Lydia is nothing if not confident, and has no qualms about showing off her new body. And the fact that she does not have to undergo another invasive and complicated surgery is a huge relief for everyone.
The next thing on the agenda for Lydia is a dental. This has been scheduled for early December. The quote is $1174.60 to $1645.66 – the higher end being if any “hidden” dental issues become apparent from xrays or during the procedure.
A huge “thank you” must go out again to everyone who has supported Lydia’s journey by giving so generously to the 911 Vet Bill Fundraiser and sharing her story. Because of you, rescue is able to provide this wonderful girl with all the care she needs.
We hope the next Lady Lydia update we share will be the one where it’s announced that she is ready to find her forever home!
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UPDATE – Oct 18
Lydia had her surgery on October 5. She underwent a unilateral chain mastectomy – the removal of all the mammary glands on her right side. Because of the amount of skin needed to close her incision, it was not possible to remove the left side at the same time.
This is not the best news, as no one wants to put Lydia through another surgery. We are still awaiting the results of her biopsies, but if a second surgery is what Lydia needs, it will be scheduled in a couple of months’ time.
Lydia did come through her surgery with flying colours! Her post-op notes from Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital described a “very comfortable and bright” dog with a “great appetite” and her discharge paperwork showed “no concerns”.
And she continues to recuperate very well at her foster home. Her foster mom describes her as real trooper, sharing that Lydia runs around the house as if she didn’t have any surgery at all, even though she has been basically opened up from her chest to her abdomen on one side!
Although, because she IS our Lady Lydia, we suspect if she could talk she would still take the opportunity to regale her foster mom with the untold indignities of spending one long night in a hospital kennel with only the most basic of amenities, and how every special consideration she is now being shown is only what a lady dog of her standing and stature is due.
The cost for the first of Lydia’s surgeries and specialist’s consult was $4,107.34. Because we did not expect to fund a second operation, if you are able to help our 911 Medical Fundraiser reach our goal with a donation of any size, we would be grateful!
Click here to make a donation!
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Lydia’s rescue story is still unfolding, and her journey so far has taken some twists and turns.
Lydia came into BTRC’s care in March. Our immediate concern was the condition of her skin – she had severe generalized dermatitis, with patchy hair loss, crusty spots, open sores, and infection. Despite her discomfort and itchiness, Lydia was friendly, social and outgoing. We knew we had to do our best to get this happy girl feeling better.
With time, medication, and lots of TLC from her foster mom, Lydia’s skin condition improved. Thanks to the research done by her foster, and the generous sponsorship and support of Iron Will Raw Pet Food, skin flare-ups lessened dramatically and we were finally able to address some of her other medical needs.
The plan was to first have Lydia spayed, then address her dental issues. (She has at least two fractured teeth, and is in need of a dental cleaning as well). But complications arose which put her dental on the back burner.
Lydia had a small mammary gland growth; this was removed, and biopsied, during her spay.
It seems nothing is easy for our Lydia. The mass was mammary carcinoma (cancer). Fortunately, it was the lowest grade, so prognosis for recovery was excellent, if the cancer had not spread. Sadly, mammary cancer is much more common in unspayed dogs, as was the case for Lydia.
Next Lydia was off to a specialist. The Oncologist took radiographs and did an ultrasound to check that the cancer had not metastasized. Everyone did a happy dance when we learned it had not!
The good news: there is a surgical cure! – “chain” mastectomies of Lydia’s remaining mammary glands.
The not-so-good-news: the estimate for surgery is $3,027.84 – $4,419.05!
Lydia will have her life-saving surgery, but she could use your help.
With vet bills over the $5000 mark, and a dental surgery still to come, we need to fundraise to offset the cost of Lydia’s veterinary care.
Lydia may be nine, but don’t let a number fool you. Her personality is generally laid-back – she relaxes by covering herself up in a blanket surrounded by her toys. She also loves to play, and squeaky toys are her absolute favourite! She enjoys her walks and is well-mannered on her adventures – but off-leash the occasional “zoomies” came come out of nowhere!
Can you help Lydia live her best life by making a donation, no matter how big or small, to our Medical Fundraiser?