Believing in Brea

Brea is a sweet girl who loves people and is excited by the world around her. She is almost one years old, but its been a bumpy road to get to this point.

After two weeks of bile vomiting at around six months old, Brea was diagnosed with a congenital portosystemic liver shunt. She requires a strict low protein prescription diet and meds twice a day to keep her symptoms at bay, including neurological signs. Ive been advised that her life expectancy is 3-4 years without surgical intervention. Surgery is major and risky however, and comes with a price tag of $8000. I had almost reconciled myself to the idea that we would just try to have a good time for a short time.... and then her second diagnosis struck!

She injured her hind leg while out walking and after a veterinary consultation was diagnosed with medial luxating patellas (dislocating kneecaps) in both hind legs. She is grade 3 in one leg and grade 4 in the injured leg which means her patella will now not go back in place. Brea requires surgery on both legs ($3000) so she can run around carefree once again like a puppy should be able to do. This routine surgery should be straightforward but with a pre-existing liver shunt it becomes extremely high risk.

On New Years Eve I faced the traumatic decision of putting her down. I could not go through with it in the end. After much discussion with vets, doing my own research and weighing everything up, I have decided to fight for Brea. We are going to be travelling to Christchurch soon and Brea will have the specialist liver surgery which, if successful, will double her life expectancy. After a few months recovery, I then intend to book her in for leg surgery to get her well and truely back on her feet!

Brea and I have a long and challenging road ahead of us this year. The situation we find ourselves in has taken its toll on me emotionally and financially, however ultimately I believe in Brea. She deserves a chance and there is hope for her. I am going to think positively and just keep focusing on the promise I made to her the day we met - I will love and care for her to the best of my ability.

Thank you for listening. If you too believe in Brea and would like to help us on our journey, please donate to our Givealittle page. Your generosity will be deeply appreciated.