Help Huckleberry Breathe Again!
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*Please note this campaign has ended. Thank you all for your support!*
Help Huckleberry Breathe Again!
Huckleberry Finn is a 10-year-old Newfoundland that is absolutely adored by parents, Sharleen and Alex Belke. He has four canine siblings at home, but he is definitely a momma’s boy. After living an incredible, healthy life, he started experiencing some medical issues this past year. He developed some weakness in his hind legs, an odd cough, and difficulty breathing. It was first diagnosed as arthritis and old age, but his parents knew something more was going on.
Through persistent effort, they finally received the proper diagnosis: Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy or GOLPP for short. This disease is most common in large breed, male dogs. It is a degenerative disease with no cure, and if left untreated, will lead to death by asphyxiation. Therefore, the only option to combat this disease is surgery.
The typical procedure is known as a “tie-back” and essentially ties one side of the larynx open permanently. However, this increases the risk of aspiration by 20%. It also increases the risk of developing pneumonia. Additionally, Huckleberry would never be able to swim again. To treat his condition while still giving him the best quality of life, his parents have decided to pursue a new surgical technique, a Bilateral Arytenoidpexy, or BVEAP. Only one surgeon in the United States offers it, and he practices in Pennsylvania. Huckleberry has a consultation scheduled for November 3rd, and if all goes well, he will be undergoing surgery November 4th. If successful, Huckleberry will be given a second chance at life with a reduced risk of aspiration and pneumonia while still being able to swim. Not only will he be able to breathe again, but he will be able to build back the muscle mass he has lost due to GOLPP’s effects on the central nervous system.
Unfortunately, life has put increased pressure on his parents financially. Like many people, Sharleen has lost her job due to changes caused by the pandemic. They are currently living with family in Fond Du Lac, WI after recently selling their home in Pewaukee, WI. It has been their dream to live in the Florida Keys as this is where Sharleen grew up, and they just got their offer accepted on a home there. As you can imagine, swimming will be a huge part of keeping Huckleberry cool. In addition, his dad, Alex, is a chiropractor who will have to start building his practice all over again. After all of this, a loan is now being collected earlier than anticipated, and money that was saved for Huckleberry’s surgery must be diverted.
Huckleberry Finn is loved beyond comprehension by his family and his adoring followers on social media. Anyone who has met him or seen videos of him online know that he is a puppy at heart and has so much life left to live. His condition is worsening, and he does not have months to wait to reschedule his surgery. If you are able, please consider making a donation of any amount to help this wonderful boy and his deserving family. If you are unable donate, you can still help by sharing his story. Funds raised will go directly to his parents, Sharleen and Alex Belke, for Huckleberry’s surgical procedure. If you want to join Huckleberry on this journey, you can follow him and his family on Instagram: @thebelkeboys_and_miss_birdie.
Thank you for your support!
To learn more about his procedure, you can head to this website: https://www.vrcmalvern.com/bilateral-vocal-fold-excision-mucosoplasty-bilateral-arytenoidpexy-bveap-approach-to-laryngeal-paralysis-in-dogs/
Help Huckleberry Breathe Again!
Huckleberry Finn is a 10-year-old Newfoundland that is absolutely adored by parents, Sharleen and Alex Belke. He has four canine siblings at home, but he is definitely a momma’s boy. After living an incredible, healthy life, he started experiencing some medical issues this past year. He developed some weakness in his hind legs, an odd cough, and difficulty breathing. It was first diagnosed as arthritis and old age, but his parents knew something more was going on.
Through persistent effort, they finally received the proper diagnosis: Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy or GOLPP for short. This disease is most common in large breed, male dogs. It is a degenerative disease with no cure, and if left untreated, will lead to death by asphyxiation. Therefore, the only option to combat this disease is surgery.
The typical procedure is known as a “tie-back” and essentially ties one side of the larynx open permanently. However, this increases the risk of aspiration by 20%. It also increases the risk of developing pneumonia. Additionally, Huckleberry would never be able to swim again. To treat his condition while still giving him the best quality of life, his parents have decided to pursue a new surgical technique, a Bilateral Arytenoidpexy, or BVEAP. Only one surgeon in the United States offers it, and he practices in Pennsylvania. Huckleberry has a consultation scheduled for November 3rd, and if all goes well, he will be undergoing surgery November 4th. If successful, Huckleberry will be given a second chance at life with a reduced risk of aspiration and pneumonia while still being able to swim. Not only will he be able to breathe again, but he will be able to build back the muscle mass he has lost due to GOLPP’s effects on the central nervous system.
Unfortunately, life has put increased pressure on his parents financially. Like many people, Sharleen has lost her job due to changes caused by the pandemic. They are currently living with family in Fond Du Lac, WI after recently selling their home in Pewaukee, WI. It has been their dream to live in the Florida Keys as this is where Sharleen grew up, and they just got their offer accepted on a home there. As you can imagine, swimming will be a huge part of keeping Huckleberry cool. In addition, his dad, Alex, is a chiropractor who will have to start building his practice all over again. After all of this, a loan is now being collected earlier than anticipated, and money that was saved for Huckleberry’s surgery must be diverted.
Huckleberry Finn is loved beyond comprehension by his family and his adoring followers on social media. Anyone who has met him or seen videos of him online know that he is a puppy at heart and has so much life left to live. His condition is worsening, and he does not have months to wait to reschedule his surgery. If you are able, please consider making a donation of any amount to help this wonderful boy and his deserving family. If you are unable donate, you can still help by sharing his story. Funds raised will go directly to his parents, Sharleen and Alex Belke, for Huckleberry’s surgical procedure. If you want to join Huckleberry on this journey, you can follow him and his family on Instagram: @thebelkeboys_and_miss_birdie.
Thank you for your support!
To learn more about his procedure, you can head to this website: https://www.vrcmalvern.com/bilateral-vocal-fold-excision-mucosoplasty-bilateral-arytenoidpexy-bveap-approach-to-laryngeal-paralysis-in-dogs/
Organizer and beneficiary
Ellen Schaefer
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI
Sharleen Belke
Beneficiary
