Achilles' Emergency GDV Surgery

My name is Libby and I'm a certified veterinary technician. My good friend Maye texted me Sunday night asking me to call her because she was worried about how her dog, a Husky named "Achilles" was acting. After talking with her, I became concerned that Achilles had developed a GDV (Gastric dilation volvulus) based on his symptoms (restlessness, nausea, unproductive vomiting, painful/hard/distended abdomen, pale gums, excessive panting) and recommened they take him to the emergency vet immediately, as this can be a life-threatening emergency.

Unfortunately, upon arrival at the vet hospital, worse case scenario was confirmed via radiographs.

Achilles' stomach had become distended and flipped on itself, slowly cutting of blood flow to and from his heart and abdomen. Due to the severity of this condition, emergency surgery is required immediately to correct the displacement and is the only way a patient can survive this scenario. Surgery itself is of course not without risk, especially due to potential complications this condition can cause, but Achilles' parents were not ready to euthanize him as he is only 4 years old. Rightfully so.

A deposit was required at the time of surgery, but there is still a large portion of the $3,500 - $5,000 estimated bill that will be required when Achilles (fingers crossed) recovers from surgery and is able to be discharged from the hospital. Maye and Tyler, Achilles' parents, have a young toddler and a newborn at home and like most people, weren't expecting to have to pay a few thousand dollars on an emergency veterinary bill.

Nobody likes asking people for money. However, there are people out there who may be willing and able to help the family out. This situation is stressful enough without having to worry about where the funds are coming from. Working in the veterinary field, unfortunately, I've seen pet owners sometimes "forced" to euthanize their family members simply due to a lack of money. These situations, when they occur, take a toll on you emotionally.

If you would feel so inclined as to donate any amount towards the veterinary bill, I know Achilles and his family would be so very grateful for the help.

Thank you from Achilles, his parents, tiny human siblings, and a vet tech who didn't want to see another young and otherwise healthy animal euthanized without being given a chance.

***If you have a large breed "deep chested" dog (Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Standard Poodle, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Boxer, etc.) please talk with your vet about bloat/GDV and if your pet is a good candidate for getting a gastropexy (the surgery that helps prevent the twisting of the stomach). It could save your pet's life***