Please Help Save Damara – My Sweet Girl Is Fighting Chylothorax

My name is Galina, and I’m asking for help to save the life of my beloved dog, Damara. I got her when she was just four months old from a friend from work who had an unexpected litter of puppies, and she has been my companion, my comfort, and a constant source of love ever since she is now 4 years and 6 months old. She is more than a pet she is deeply woven into our family, including her dog sibling, who would be lost without her.

Damara’s Medical Crisis

On December 4th, 2025, my world world was flipped upside down. Damara had been having upper GI symptoms over the weekend and became became very ill she had diarrhea, no appetite, bloating, heavy breathing, and was clearly very uncomfortable. After speaking with her regular vet on Monday and trying the prescribed medication with no improvement, I rushed her to the emergency hospital. That same night, I had to take her to two different emergency hospitals.

The first hospital discovered fluid buildup in her chest, a life-threatening condition. She was struggling and very distressed. Further testing concluded that Damara has chylothorax, which means lymphatic fluid is leaking into her chest cavity and compressing her lungs. If untreated, it can be fatal. The first doctor did not know if they had the ability to help her with everything she needed so we rushed her to MedVet Worthington (Ohio).

Possible causes include:

Malignancy (cancer)

Heart disease

Infections

Blood clots in the vena cava

Congenital defects

Or it can be idiopathic, meaning the cause is never found

Despite the uncertainty, her medical team at MedVet Worthington (Ohio) and I still believes she has a chance and I have to fight for that chance.

Her Treatment Plan & Costs

I have already spent everything I had trying to help her, including funds I’d saved for her hip dysplasia, another condition she’s been battling. I’m now financially exhausted, and it breaks my heart that money is the barrier between Damara and lifesaving care.

Below is her current recommended treatment plan from MedVet

1. Emergency Care

• Emergency exam

• Thoracocentesis (draining chest fluid)(will need done again)

• Bloodwork

• Blood pressure

• IV catheter care

• IV fluids

• Possible medications

• Hospitalization

Estimated cost: $2,300 – $2,600

2. Transfer to Critical Care / Internal Medicine:

• Specialty consultation

• Abdominal ultrasound

• Echocardiogram

• Continued care & hospitalization

Estimated cost: $3,000 – $5,000

3. Recommended Surgery – Thoracic Duct Ligation (TDL):

This offers Damara the best long-term chance.

Estimated cost: $9,100 – $10,100

Damara has been started on a strict low-fat Royal Canin diet and three medications to help stabilize her, but these are temporary measures she needs the diagnostics and potential surgery to survive.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I love this dog with everything in me. She has been with me through some of the hardest years of my life. She is gentle, loving, loyal, and full of personality. Watching her struggle to breathe and knowing there IS a path to help her but not being able to afford it alone is one of the most painful feelings I’ve ever had.

My other dog is bonded to her like a sibling our family would be devastated if we lost her. Damara deserves a chance to live, to breathe comfortably again, and to stay with the family that adores her.

What Your Help Means

Any assistance financial or shared support goes directly toward Damara’s medical care at MedVet. Every dollar helps us get closer to the consultations, imaging, procedures, and surgery she desperately needs.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read our story. Damara has so much life left in her, and with help, she can get the care she needs to survive this.

Thank you for giving my girl a fighting chance.