Please help Calypso as she fights for her life!

UPDATE: Calypso underwent surgery to remove her right kidney and the Giant Kidney Worm (2.5 feet long) that was living inside of it. She will be on different dewormer medication on and off for the next three months, but we are hopeful that this parasite is behind her at this point. We are still fundraising to cover the cost of her medication! Thank you to every single donor and supporter of HSAR. This girl had a second chance because of you!

Calypso walked into our rescue and into our hearts just like thousands of rescue dogs before her, she was immediately loved and valued. After a week in our care we realized that something wasn't quite right, there was blood in her urine and she needed medical attention immediately. We brought her to American Valley Animal Hospital in Quincy where she was given antibiotics to cure a simple urinary tract infection. The symptoms persisted and as she went in for her spay surgery it became apparent that something was very, very wrong. All of the tissue in her abdominal cavity was made up of a different substance and color than it should be and they promptly sent off samples to be tested.

As we listened to the report of her health we were all in shock. The veterinarian in Quincy had never seen this before and as our Kennels Manager did more research he realized that not many vets in our region have. She has a Giant Kidney Worm residing in her kidney and the cause for the different colored substance surrounding her organs is that the worm has laid thousands of eggs inside of her. This is an extremely rare parasite and it takes specific steps and stages to get inside of a very unlucky dog. We believe Calypso was exposed to this worm after eating an infected fish or amphibian. Unfortunately, we know nothing of her past because she was left in the outdoor kennel one night at Lassen Animal Control with her siblings (who thankfully have shown no signs of also having a Giant Kidney Worm). This horrible parasite has the ability to grow up to 3 feet in length within a kidney and will kill its host if left untreated. It's important for us to act quickly and raise the funds necessary to get this dog's life back on track.

As with all of our major surgeries, we have turned to Sierra Veterinary Specialists in Reno for help. After a consultation they have agreed to perform an ultrasound and then operate on Calypso and remove the affected kidney if she is well enough. This surgery can cost up to $5,000. There are very few reported cases but we are remaining hopeful and her surgeon is as well.

High Sierra Animal Rescue has never given up on a dog in need and we are asking you to please support us as we help Calypso in the fight for her life. We adore her in every way and know that she will brighten the lives of everyone that she meets. We want to see her grow up and find true happiness in life but we need you to help make our wish and hers come true.

Calypso needs to be in a foster (or foster to adopt) home after her surgery on Tuesday (2/25) and we will be able to pick her up from Sierra Veterinary Specialists on Thursday. She will be sore and in need of a quiet space to recover. If you have a compassionate heart and a love for animals this is the most perfect way to prove it. Please spread the word. For more information on Calypso and how you can help please call (530)832-4727 or email info@highsierraanimalrescue.org

Here is some more information on Giant Kidney Worms and how it affects its host:

Giant Kidney Worm

Dioctophyma Renale, also known as the Giant Kidney Worm is an extremely rare parasite that infects and lives in the kidney as it grows up to over 3 feet long. The worm starts as a small egg, and develops if it is in water for 1-7 months. Once it develops, it can be eaten by an earthworm, or other initial host, which will cause the worm to develop into larvae. The Giant Kidney Worm will remain in larvae form, even after the earthworm is eaten by an intermediate host, like a frog or a fish. Once that fish/frog has been consumed by a definitive host, typically mammals like dogs, minks, or humans, the larvae will move from the intestines, to the liver, and finally the kidney, where they will take approximately 6 months to become full adults. Once there, they will produce eggs and deteriorate the function and tissue of the kidney until it fails. They typically inhabit the right kidney, as that is closest to the intestinal tract, but in severe cases can infect both kidneys. As rare as this parasite is, it is even rarer to find in a living dog since it typically infects one kidney, and just like humans, dogs can function with one working kidney. The worm is typically found in necropsy and autopsy reports for unexplained or early death in dogs.

The worm is zoonotic, so it can infect any animal, including humans. It is not a contagious disease though, it is a parasite that lives in the body and will produce eggs that are eliminated in the urine. The eggs can be eaten/drank by other animals, with no definitive answer on if that would cause the worm to develop in their own body.