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BELLA HAS LOST HER BATTLE and with many tears we say goodbye. On March 6th, 2010 Bella lost her fight for survival of many abnormalities; the most apparent was dwarfism. Although she was almost 2 years old, Bella still only weighed 1.5 lbs.
We would like to thank everyone that helped Bella, including: those that sent donations; her Foster Mom ,Sandy Deproso; and, the doctors and staff at the America Medical Center in NY that helped Bella with her journey. The dedication of these people allowed Bella the chance at a life that would have otherwise been impossible.
We miss you Bella, your spunk and feistiness inspired us all.
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Tears for Bella
On March 6, 2010, we had to say goodbye to Bella. If tears were money, START would be rich!
This sweet little dwarf little girl struggled with several several abnormalities including hyperammonemia, cerebellar tremors, lysosmal storage diseases, dwarfism an irregular jaw affecting her comfort level when eating, and a knee that popped out of socket now and then. The best thing Bella had was a feistiness and spunkiness, and at 1.5 lbs, she would let you know when didn’t want to be carried or didn’t like something.
Due to all her problems, we made regular trips to the Animal Medical Center in NY every couple of months, spending entire days in NY, while Bella had testing or procedures done. In all these times, I never saw such dedication in a doctor and determination to find something to help Bella live like a normal kitten for whatever length of time she had, in spite of all her problems. From the moment we would enter the appointment room, Bella was treated like a queen. She made such an impression, on many doctors (neurologist, dermatologist, and dentist), technicians, and staff, that whenever she visited the AMC, word quickly spread that Bella was there, and they all wanted to see her.
After about 14 months, Bella had started to have seizures, which even resulted with her being rushed to the AMC one night, as we didn’t even think she would make it. Luckily, she did come out of it and then a few days later she was having short seizures off and on. Bella ended up on anti-seizure medicine along with other anti-inflammatory meds, clavamox for a urinary infection, interferon for her immune system, and even cream for stubborn yeast infection on her face.
Prior to these fourteen months, in spite of all Bella’s problems, she was still enjoying herself. She may not have walked like a normal kitten she would do the bunny hop. She would let little chirpy noises out whenever she wanted to eat and she loved walking in the playroom climbing on toys. With all the medicines she was on and to get the timing right, at times you felt like her nurse, and we were fine with that.
We would constantly be in touch either by email or phone with both her doctor and technician, and they always responded, as I knew the concern and love for this little girl, was so there.
By the end of February, I think all the seizure activity took a toll on Bella, she became very sedate and we hoped it was from the anti-seizure medicine. Her doctor found a medicine that she tried that was less sedating for her. We all prayed that after a few days she would become more active.
While at the AMC, I had asked her technician if she could wash her a bit, as the yeast infection medicine had been absorbed all in her fur and she was looking a little sticky and wasn’t cleaning that much. She spruced her up with a quick bath and came back carrying her in her pocket as she often did, but this time Bella didn’t even attempt to get a little feisty to get out of her pocket, like she
often did. We were all very worried.
Her doctor had suggested waiting about 4 days to let the new medicine take effect. Bella didn’t want to eat and didn’t want to get up at times. We all prayed Bella would respond and want to eat and walk around but, by Saturday, she had two seizures in a row. After the seizures, I immediately called her doctor to confirm that it was time to let Bella go to a better place. They offered for me to come to NY, and even though I wanted to, I knew I couldn’t drive with all my tears from NJ. I only wish her doctor and staff could have been by her side as well, to say goodbye.
I couldn’t go to my local vet that never wanted her to live past 3 months, so I went to a vet in another town that I knew. Even though he never met Bella, he treated her as if he knew her. He too was amazed at her size and striking coloring.
Bella’s doctor is NY was an example of how you would hope a veterinarian would be, compassionate, dedicated, and having a genuine willingness to go beyond what’s expected of him, because he really wants to help. Bella was a very puzzling case, but as he attempted to diagnose so many problem areas, he always was trying to think and research any possible remedy that might even help one of her problems. He never once indicated, like other doctors did that since she had so many issues, fixing one area wasn’t going to make a difference.
I don’t think Bella would have been here as long as she was in her short life if it were not for the dedication and guidance throughout her entire life from all of the amazing, compassionate people at the AMC.
I wish my story had a happier ending, but I am happy that there are people like the doctors and staff we met at the AMC and all the people through START, that continue to help animals every day. Thank you for all the donations that were sent for Bella.
Sincerely,
Sandy DeProspo
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Update from Bella January 2010
Bella at 15 months is still only one and half pounds. Bella recently had a severe attack due to her cerebellum which controls all the motor skills. Bella was rushed to NY, as they really are the only ones that know what Bella can and can not have due to her liver ammonia problem and the quantity of meds she can handle at a pound and a half.
Her cerebellum problem seems to be getting worse and she is currently on predisone and anti-inflammatory medication to try to reduce the brain inflammation. Some cats can live with the cerebellum issues, but Bella;s seems to be progressing which is not a good sign at this time. Bella has had two more attacks but only a few seconds and not as severe.
Please keep her in your prayers!
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Bella's August Update
About a month ago, Bella was not doing too well, she was sluggish and very finicky with food due to her diet restrictions. Bella also contracted a fast spreading yeast infection all over her face, causing her to loose fur and she seemed very uncomfortable. With another trip to the Animal Medical Center, she had to meet another doctor, a dermatologist, who immediately cultured her skin, and prescribed medicine for the Yeast infection.
Originally the doctors had hoped if Bella maintained a low protein diet, there would be some improvement. However, with Bella being a finicky eater, there was little improvement. The key was to keep the ammonia level down, with low protein. Getting scared for Bella, we had also done some research and found a homeopathic medicine that has been know to reduce the ammonia levels in the body, which if worked, would make Bella very comfortable. After consulting with her doctors, we decided to give this a try. In addition, the AMC doctors also prescribed an immune booster for Bella.
It has been over a month now, and Bella is responding well. She has more energy, playfulness and even finds the energy to chase her sister, Heidi. Her appetite is still at times finicky, but we work with her in alternating foods to keep her interest. Since it is more important that she eat, we do go out of the restricted diet at times. We really do not know which medicine, or if it is the combination of medicines, that are resulting in Bella's positive feedback.
Bella's medicines exceed over $ 200.00 every 6 weeks. Since she is doing well and responding, her doctors do not want to make any changes at this time, but may in the future.
Thank you to everyone who helped with Bella's expenses, and those who continue to help!
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| Help Save Bella |
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Bella’s Story
At over 6 months old, Bella weighs only 1.5 lbs. Bella needs our help to get through these tough times and help find answers for her medical condition.
Bella was found at 6 weeks old, an only kitten quiet and reserved. Once Bella was tested for the regular Feline ailments Aids & Leukemia, she was placed with other kittens, her play time seemed limited as she would tire easily. From the early age of 8 weeks old her days have been filled with doctor visits and hospitals, all searching for answers for her lack of growth. Doctors were puzzled by her dwarf size.
At the Animal Medical Center in NY, Bella’s diagnosis finally included: Proportionate dwarfism, deafness, and Hyperammonemia in her urease cycle, which is the process for ammonia production and removal through the gastrointestinal system, including the liver and kidneys. Many times with Hyperammonemia, specific enzymes may not be producing correctly, or to their fullest capability. Anxiously we await Bella’s tests, submitted to the University of PA, for enzyme deficiency. Many times these deficiencies build up ammonia and result in neurologic signs. Bella occasionally has slight head and paw tremors.
Our hopes are to identify the enzyme Bella is lacking, which will allow us to provide supplement, to help her system to function. Little is known about these ammonia enzyme deficiency disorders, and is poorly described in literature. Bella must maintain a strict diet low in protein. With this diet and once we identify and supplement the missing enzymes, we are hopeful Bella will become more active and enjoy a real life.
Bella may be small in size, but she is so very big in personality. She is full of spunk, lets you know when she is hungry, and also when she doesn’t want to be held anymore. Bella’s knee cap often pops out of socket but she knows exactly how to straighten her knee to fix the problem. Her adorable way of running looks more like a rabbit hopping and her meows seem to be more like chirpy noises. She is so full of life!
Bella needs to be monitored through blood tests and through her physical daily activities. . We hope her tremors associated with her high ammonia count remain stable, and that enzyme supplementation is possible. Bella’s medical expenses have accumulated over the months to over $4,000 and continue to grow in search of answers, to give this little beautiful girl a chance at life.
If you would like to donate to help with Bella’s growing medical expenses, please make a donation through PayPal for Bella’s Fund (below) or Mail your donation to S.T.A.R.T., c/o Bella, P.O. Box 1098 ,Little Falls, NJ 07424
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