Diagnostic Funding

2020 saw a huge increase in sponsorship applications specifically requesting help for diagnostic procedures and surgery. These particular procedures are quite costly, and they are something Wild Hearts normally does not have the funding to help cover. 2019 saw just two sponsorship applications for these procedures, requesting roughly $6,300 in assistance. In 2020, these numbers exploded: over 6 times the number of applications, seeking almost $65,000 in financial help. While we are excited and proud to tell you we've helped every single one of those 13 pets, we were only able to fund 4 of them in full with their requested diagnostics. The remaining 9 were sponsored with equipment, supplies, veterinary care, and rehabilitation support, in addition to giving them access to our free massage classes and Facebook education and support group.

Costly diagnostic testing (MRI/CT Scan) and life-saving surgeries can cost just one family up to $10,000. Having these procedures performed and then interpreted swiftly often means the difference between a pet maintaining or losing their mobility. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most common veterinary neurology disorders and accounts for nearly 25% of the applications we receive. If a dog cannot walk but deep pain is present in the limbs, there is an 83-90% success rate for recovery with surgery, but the longer the neurologic deficits have been going on, the poorer the results of treatment. When a pet is experiencing rapidly increasing weakness, lack of coordination, pain, and an inability to walk, immediate diagnostic and surgical intervention is essential in order to increase the odds of a favorable outcome and return to mobility. Many pet owners and rescues simply do not have the financial capacity to provide such services for pets, especially in such a tight window for optimal success, and therefore are forced to opt out of these crucial tests and procedures.

In 2021, It's our goal to be able to approve at least 10 sponsorships for these critical services. This would make Wild Hearts one of the only organizations in the country to be able to do so. In order to accomplish this, we need to raise $25,000 on top of our regular fundraising goals for the year.