Shelby is a ten year old shepherd mix that came to our hospital after being seen at another hospital. After being sick for several weeks, the previous hospital recommended that Shelby get an ultrasound to find out what was going on.

The results were very frightening to Shelby’s mom and dad – there was a mass in Shelby’s intestines. The hospital recommended removing it at once – and the estimated cost of surgery alone was $3,500.00. Shelby’s family, who have had her since she was young were very concerned. This amount of money was simply not within their means to afford. Faced with the decision the veterinarian gave them – pay for the surgery, or put Shelby to sleep – her family was devastated.

Desperate to find another solution, Shelby’s family started researching other hospitals. After calling around and searching the internet, Shelby’s mom and dad heard about us here at Animal Health Care Specialists. They brought her in for a consultation and shortly after scheduled her surgery, which was only $500.00.

The surgery revealed a large mass in Shelby’s intestines, which we sent out for analysis at a lab. Because Shelby had been sick for so long prior to surgery, she had a very rough time getting better afterwards. She was in the hospital for several days, and was very depressed. After about a week, Shelby was strong enough to go home, but was still very weak.

Shelby’s biopsy (mass analysis) results showed that Shelby has cancer. She has healed well since the surgery and her sutures have been removed. It is our hope that Shelby will continue to live comfortably and happy with her family for some time to come. Shelby has already had much more time at home, safe and happy with her family, than she would have if her family had followed their first ultimatum.