UPDATE ON RICKEE: (2/13/2021)  Rickee’s surgery went well, The largest of the three masses (approximately 10-12 cm) is the one that is concerning.  The specimen was sent out for evaluation, and should be back in a week or so.  The other two masses were also removed, but are of less concern.  Rickee continues to heal at home, and is in good spirits.  Updates will follow.

Rickee surgery estimate

Rickee (“Rikki”) was brought to our attention by Humanitarians of Florida, a non-profit veterinary clinic in Lecantro, FL.  Rickee presented to the clinic with three masses, one very large at the juncture of the left rear leg, which was painful and ominous.  It was opined that the mass could rupture and cause a life-threatening bleed if not promptly removed.  Rickee is owned by an elderly gentleman who lives on social security income of under $700 per month, and he could not afford the life-saving surgery necessary.  He had offered to forgo paying his electric bill and pawning the ring left to him by his late father, but even with that, would not have had the money to pay for the surgery.  Rickee’s dad has multiple serious health issues, lives alone, and the 7 year old pittie is all that he has.  FL CHAIN stepped in and raised money from some very kind people to get the radiographs, blood work, and surgery for this very loved and needed pooch.  Her surgery is Feb 9th.