Cohen's Surgery for GDV (bloat)

Many of you know our beloved six year old Cohen, the "rock-star" standard poodle. He has made a huge impact on our lives and the lives of many in our neighbourhood and community. Unfortunately, Cohen started showing symptoms of GDV (bloat) about midnight October 6th.  This is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt treatment. Kent rushed him to the local 24 hour vet (Kingston Rd). They took x-rays and confirmed that his stomach had fully rotated. They did not have a surgeon on shift so they made a referral to Toronto Animal Hospital (Scarborough) where a surgery table was prepared and waiting for Cohen. This was about 2:30am. By 3am he was stable enough to undergo the lifesaving procedure.  His surgery was completed by 5am. His stomach is bruised and has some detached blood vessels.  He has fluid in his lungs (aspirated saliva and means a risk of pneumonia) and is in shock due to the surgery.  He will be in hospital for at least three days. Because of the fluid in his lungs he requires antibiotics which will slow down his natural recovery. 

At the time of writing, Cohen is in post-operation intensive care. This type of event is the one thing most poodle owners hope does not happen to them. The cost of this emergency care is well above and beyond anything we had budgeted for, and something we need help with.  

All money raised will go to cover the costs of the various procedures (x-rays at the first clinic and surgery, antibiotics and hospital stay at the second). 

We are grateful for the kind offers of help that we have already received.  A friend suggested we set-up a gofundme page as a way to make it easy for family, friends and neighbours to contribute. (Thank you.)

Cohen still has some hurdles to jump, but we are trying to stay positive. 

We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers,

Kent & Shelley