Ajax Vet Bills

Both my boyfriend & I are very seasoned in identifying snakes, their habitats, the type of weather they enjoy, etc. Neither one of us imagined we’d find a timber rattlesnake at 8am in the pouring rain, 15 feet from our tent, after biting our dog Jax on a backpacking trip.

The last two days have been long. From dropping everything at our campsite and running two miles to our car in the pouring rain while carrying Jax, to driving an hour and a half to the closest vet with antivenin (CP Vets of State College - we are so thankful for you), to sobbing because “Oh my god, I cannot believe this is happening.” Jax has more miles on his little legs from hiking than most people do, how could this happen?

Our initial estimate for his stay at the emergency vet’s office was $3,200 for 48 hours, but after just 24 hours we are already looking at $2,500. He still needs to stay an additional 24 hours, is looking at possible need for a transfusion (his platelet levels are at 28,000 and dropping - they should be around 150,000) and possible wound repair for the dead skin around the snake bite to avoid becoming septic. Both of which could be up to $1,000.  This isn’t including costs like medication, check ups, and treatments he will need after he is discharged. Initially we planned to pay the $3,200 ourselves, but as the prices continue to spiral we are unable to keep up with the costs. We are not looking for handouts or for all of his bills to be covered, we just need some help.

Ajax is my first dog, my best friend, and like a child to us. We just want to be able to continue all of the care he needs to pull through this. Thank you so much.