Rocky

About the Campaign

Rocky is a French Bulldog with a fast-growing adrenal tumor called pheochromocytoma, and he needs a CT scan before radiation treatment can begin. His doctors have made it clear that this tumor cannot be surgically removed, but radiation may be able to shrink it, reduce his Cushing’s-type symptoms, and give him more time. Right now, the tumor is already causing serious complications, including dangerous blood pressure spikes and developing glaucoma.

Kristyn first noticed something was wrong last May, when Rocky began drinking and urinating much more than usual. At first, she thought it might be stress from her returning to the office, but the symptoms kept going. Over the months, Rocky went through repeated testing for things like UTIs, ultrasound findings, and Cushing’s disease, but no one had a clear answer. Finally, after being referred to a specialist, the tumor was discovered on January 12, and a CT was done on January 29. Kristyn has already spent around $7,000 on diagnostics and care, using a combination of savings and credit.

Rocky getting acupuncture treatment:

Rocky has been with Kristyn since he was a 10-week-old puppy. After losing two beloved older dogs in rapid succession—an 11-year-old bulldog with cancer and a 13-year-old Chow in heart failure, just two weeks apart—Kristyn and her family were heartbroken. When they decided they were ready again, they simply went looking for a bulldog and ended up meeting Rocky, not even realizing at first that he was a Frenchie. Since then, they’ve stood by him through one health issue after another, including luxating patellas in both knees and ongoing arthritis care.

Kristyn works as a government auditor, and her husband is a police officer. They are not new to veterinary bills and have done everything they can for Rocky already. But between his prior medical history and the cost of diagnosing this rare tumor, they are now facing another enormous financial hurdle just to get him to the treatment stage. The CT scan and radiation together are simply more than they can comfortably absorb after everything already spent.

Rocky had knee surgery when younger:

The outlook without treatment is heartbreaking. Kristyn was told Rocky may have only 3 to 6 months without treatment, while radiation could meaningfully improve both his quality of life and his time with his family. His blood pressure will normalize, Cushing’s symptoms go away, and his eye pressure get better too!

Donations will help cover Rocky’s CT scan and radiation treatment so his veterinary team can begin fighting this tumor and easing the damage it’s causing. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Thank you for helping Kristyn get Rocky the care that could give him more comfort, more time, and more life. Estimate below, click to enlarge: