Help Nikki get CT Scan, Anesthesia, Surgical Biopsy — Cary, NC
Gallery
8 photos
About this campaign
Our Nikki is a very loved member of our family of 7. She’s a rescue who got returned multiple times before we finally found her. She was an anxious, excited ball of energy for the 1st month but once she realized we weren’t giving up on her, she showed us who she really was. She's been the sweetest, most gentle dog — anyone who meets her instantly loves her and wants to keep her for themselves. 🩷
3 weeks ago, our dog developed throat pain, decreased appetite/thirst, and a lump on one side of her throat. Despite normal bloodwork/X-ray, it quickly spread to both sides while we waited for specialists/pathology. She’s rapidly declining and can now only eat watered-down soft food, won’t drink, and is visibly painful. BluePearl Cary needs a CT and surgical biopsy to determine if it’s treatable.
We searched for a long time to find a special dog to join our family as an emotional support animal, Nikki has perfectly fit that role, she has the best silly and loving personality. She’s very special to us, and we don’t want to lose her. She gives us hugs and likes to hide her nose in our legs to give affection, I know she’d love to spend many more years being spoiled and loved endlessly.
After two years of fighting a personal chronic health condition, we are maxed-out financially and desperate for help. Any amount helps, we can’t afford the treatment and are really scared we won’t be able to get her the care she needs 😢.
Updates
September 27, 2026
Nikki is back home.
CT scan went as best case scenario as possible.
She was able to be intubated so no tracheotomy needed
They were able to obtain a couple punch biopsies without having to surgically remove the tissue.
She reacted well to the anesthesia and is stable
CT scan revealed that the main issue appears to be the right tonsil. They’re assuming the tonsil may have carcinogenic cells than then made the lymph system swell. The tonsil biopsy should come back early next week.
A second aspirate was performed on the largest lymph node, still inconclusive, which mainly rules out this being an abscess, and gives it a low percentage of being an infection.
For now, she’s resting at home with some meds to keep her comfortable till we get further news. If it is cancer, we’d be looking at surgery to remove the affected tonsils and lymphs, hopefully giving her more time with us.
Nikki resting in her bed after coming back home from the CT September 25, 2026
Nikki had to be hospitalized last night, the lumps are multiplying and we don't have the luxury of time to wait for the CT on Wednesday. They are going to try and get her in today, but no guarantees. We were told "odds are it's cancer". I really hope it's not that.
- Location
- Cary, NC
- Species:
- Dog
- Breed:
- Mix-Breed
- Age:
- 8 years old
- Sex:
- Female