Guppy is not well.

It is always sad to see a person or an animal taken over by the strains of illness. Especially so when the person or animal has always been so full of the joy of life.

Guppy at 3 months

Guppy & brother, Discus

Guppy has always been the happy fellow in his neighbourhood. Ever full of grins and fishy wags, he and brother Discus roam the fish farm, strutting around with his head held high, tail a beacon of welcome whenever he sees us.

Guppy trying to steal someone's gal

He is a handsome fellow, at times a bully to his meeker brother. But other times, he totally relishes grooming Discus to bits, and good 'ol Discus will grin and bear thru the Guppy-sessions.

Grooming time for Discus!

But now, Guppy is not well. His sturdy frame has diminished into near skin and bones. He is sick and not eating. He is also running a fever. Diagnosis - Heartworms and badly infected testicles with an inner growth that could be benign or malignant.

With heartworms, his heart condition is compromised and to put him under GA for an operation to remove that growth, will be too dangerous for an already weak heart. He might not wake up.

Dr T asked if we want to carry on with the treatment as it would cost quite abit. We've gone thru this a few times. The issue of cost versus life. There shouldn't be any consideration at all, should there?

When money is brought to the foreground of issues, the plain truth is frosted over and an answer that is clear becomes foggy by the fear of not being able to afford the treatment, and clouds the good news that hey, heartworms can be treated if detected early. And hey, when his heartworm condition is cured, the growth can be operated out and Guppy will get his young, active life back.

So, yes, the answer is always "Yes". We will proceed with treatment.

And we will need your help.

Guppy is now at Dr T's. He will start his heartworm treatment now, and his infected testicles will be medically treated first until he is fit for operation. This will require him to be hospitalised.

Costs (estimated):

- Heartworm treatment: $200-$300
- Medication for fever, infection: $150-$200
- Operation: $350-$500


I will get a better estimate on the expected cost this Sat as well as photos of Guppy to show to all.


* If you, like us, have a heart to see Guppy all well and back with his brother again soon, pls email projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg on how you can contribute to his medical expenses.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.