We scratched everything at Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, when, in an in-depth telephone pre-consultation (is there such a thing?!) with the head of the project, I learned Sasha would NOT have been accepted into the Stem Cell Therapy Trial, unless Creatinine dropped below 5.
Additionally, it would have required anywhere between $1,000+ (labs) and $10,000+ (surgery if a ureteral blockage was found) pre-testing and surgery, which would be reimbursed IF Sasha was accepted into the program. I actually went as far as trying to get approved for CareCredit, but could not get the requested $10,000. If I were a millionaire, I would have no qualms spending any amount of money on Sasha, but to risk $10,000 and not be accepted into the trial, was too much of a financial risk.
Also, the director (as have other vets) stated Sasha needed in hospital IVs for at least 4 days. A wise vet stated that much would have killed him. Thank God, I won't allow Sasha overnights at ANY vet because of all the extra care he requires. In this instance, his disability saved his life.
So much more going on, but other than starting Epogen shots (2x a week) for Sasha, not much has changed, unfortunately.
Love,
Leah
