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Please read the final update below
7/19/2025 - I am so sorry to share this news. Last night, Mona crashed. Multiple organ systems failed. She refused to get up or eat, and her neurological symptoms worsened. It was clear she was ready to go. The most likely culprit is cancer but we do not have confirmation on this.
We brought Tina, Mona's best friend, to the hospital to be with Mona in her final moments. This is their final photo together.
We are so incredibly grateful to everyone who donated. You paid Mona's bill in full, AND helped cover the costs of a life-saving mastectomy for one of our adoptable goats.
Your love for Mona saved another goat's life and allowed us to give Mona the care she deserved. I am sorry this was not the outcome any of us hoped for. Mona lived a beautiful 3 years at sanctuary. We suspect here is the first place she was ever truly safe, where she could finally trust humans.
If you wish to make a gift in Mona's honor, you are welcome to. But please know that her bill is paid in full and no further donations are needed to pay it off.
With compassion, Marji Development Director
Your donation goes toward Mona's Care!
**Update: The $3,000 triple was increased to $5,000 and has been met! We have a $2,000 match remaining. Any donations beyond the actual hospitalization costs and care will go toward Mona's recovery at home, which we hope will be soon!
Thursday July 17, 2025 evening update
The good news: The preliminary report from her liver biopsy shows no sign of infection so Mona was started on steroids. Her kidneys are at a normal level!
The bad news: She still has diarrhea
Treatment plan: Steroids, weaning off of fluids, albon and biosponge for the diarrhea
Thursday July 17, 2025 morning update -
The good news: Mona's kidney and liver values are coming down, which is good.
The bad news: Her calcium is very low and she is receiving supplements for it. She is not interested in getting up and moving around. Because of her liver levels, managing her pain with anti-inflammatories is quite difficult.
Current plan: Supplement with calcium and maintain IV fluids. If her liver biopsy comes back clear, Mona will also be started on steroids.
Sunday, July 13, 2025 - Mona was self-isolating, unusual behavior for her.
Her temperature was elevated and bloodwork showed possible infection, anemia, and low glucose (which could indicate liver or kidney problems).
We rushed Mona to Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center where she received oral glucose syrup, chest x-rays, IV fluids, and antibiotics.
Advanced bloodwork showed elevated kidney values, liver dysfunction, imbalanced electrolytes, and elevated ammonia.
Chest x-rays show a possible respiratory infection. Abdominal x-rays show a mineralized object in her rumen, which could be a foreign object or mass. There is no obstruction and she is too unstable for exploratory surgery.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 -
Good news: Mona’s kidney and ammonia levels are starting to decline, a step in the right direction.
Not so good news: Her electrolytes are imbalanced and she has developed some diarrhea.
A radiologist reviewed the abdominal x-rays and determined Mona has an enterolith, or a mineralized intestinal mass. It is unlikely this is causing liver issues, though.
We opt to have Mona’s liver biopsied, which requires full anesthesia and a lobe of her liver removed to review.
Monday, July 14, 2025-
Good news: Mona’s blood glucose stabilized and she showed an interest in food.
Her respiratory symptoms are improving.
Bad news: Despite IV fluids, her kidney and liver values continue to get worse. It is unsafe to increase her IV fluids, due to her poorer respiration and low blood protein levels.
We opt for an ultrasound of her liver, which is slightly larger but without any obvious masses. She remains hospitalized.
As of this writing, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 -
Mona continues to recover from her bipsoy.
Mona received a transfaunation, where rumen juice from a donor is added directly to Mona’s rumen. This is to hopefully prevent the rumen from failing due to her poor appetite.
TOTAL BALANCE AS OF 07/16: $5,386.31
As you can see, navigating a complex medical case like Mona’s is difficult.
There is no clear-cut reason for her symptoms.