Pulse - April 2022 - 17

ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDATION
ANGEL FUND
Shiloh, Dog with EPI, Helped
with Grant from Angel Fund
I
n January, when Hannah Durodola had just gone
on pregnancy disability from her job as a neonatal
intensive care nurse, she noticed that her dog,
Shiloh, had lost significant weight and was lethargic.
" Usually, she's very much an adventure dog who loves to
go hiking and camping. But her energy level was low and she
no longer wanted to play with her toys or go on walks. When
I petted her, she felt like skin and bones, " said Hannah, who
lives in Tustin.
Concerned, she took Shiloh to see Dr. Laura Weatherford
at Tustin Santa Ana Veterinary Hospital, who has cared for the
dog since she was a puppy. Shiloh had lost 17 pounds since
her previous visit. " I had bathed her in December and she
didn't feel like skin and bones or look underweight, so I knew
her weight loss was rapid. "
Dr. Weatherford administered a number of tests that ruled
out conditions such as a colon blockage, parasites, infections
and many diseases. " She always explained each test and what
we still were looking for, " Hannah said. " At the end of the
day, all the tests came to $864 but Dr. Laura was kind enough
to discount the x-rays that were taken and did not charge me
for a cortisone shot, so I paid $752. "
When the blood test results were available, they narrowed
the possibilities to cancer, inflammatory bowel disease
or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency [EPI]. " Because
Shiloh is so young [at three years], Dr. Laura thought cancer
was less likely. "
The next test was for EPI. " The cost was $400 with the
possibility Shiloh would also need a $600 abdominal ultrasound, "
Hannah said. " I broke down and started crying.
" I told Dr. Laura that I had just been placed on pregnancy
disability for my first baby and did not know when I would
be getting my next paycheck because disability benefits take
time. [She works at Children's Hospital of Orange County.]
I had no idea how I would be able to pay for this, especially
with a baby coming soon. That's when Dr. Laura told
me about Angel Fund. She helped me fill out the form and I
applied. "
The Angel Fund grant was soon approved. The blood test
showed that Shiloh had EPI.
" Being able to pay $40 instead of $400 made a huge difference
for me and my family, " Hannah said.
Shiloh is now being treated.
" She gets enzymes with every
meal and vitamin B12 supplements
and a low fiber diet, "
Hannah said. " She is slowly
gaining weight and she has
more energy since starting the
enzymes.
" For the rest of Shiloh's life I
will have to monitor her diet, stools and vitamin B12 levels
and look for flareups in her disease. Each dog with EPI
is a little different, so I also have to figure out the right level
of enzymes. Dr. Laura told me where to buy enzymes far
cheaper than the prescription version, which is very helpful.
" I also found the EPI4Dogs Foundation online, which
has a ton of information on Shiloh's condition and also connected
me to other pet parents dealing with the disease. That
has helped make this experience feel less overwhelming.
" I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Laura and to Angel Fund.
Dr. Laura is amazing! I was afraid I was going to lose Shiloh
but she was very comforting and helpful. All of her staff
are kind, wonderful, and great with animals. Shiloh has been
going to Tustin Santa Ana Hospital all her life and every
experience has been positive. " P
PULSE
" I also found the EPI4Dogs Foundation online, which has a ton of
information on Shiloh's condition and also connected me to other pet
parents dealing with the disease. That has helped make this experience
feel less overwhelming. "
APRIL 2022
17
Pulse - April 2022

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