Help with Ajax's Vet Bills & Surgery Costs

Hi everyone, this is Ajax - the best boy in the world with the absolute worst ears in the world. Ajax is my 4 year old cocker spaniel who has been battling awful and rapidly progressive ear infections since he was 2 years old. Over the past two years, it has cost thousands of dollars in back to back vet visits and treatment plans trying to get them under control - antibiotics, steroids, drops, ointments, deep cleanings, injections, allergy regimens, emergency/specialist vet visits, all of it.

Unfortunately, medical management has been futile- not only have his ears never fully recovered from each infection, but they got worse each time and the chronic inflamation has formed irreversible damage in both of his ear canals by becoming thick, hardened scar tissue. Ajax is now at the point of end stage ear disease. His facial nerve is starting to become affected and he recently developed an abcess in his right ear that could only minimally be drained due to sclerosis. It was determined that the only option left to improve his quality of life and prevent more serious complications such as vestibular disease (which leads to loss of balance and coordination), eating problems, or visual problems is surgery.

 

Ajax is in need of bilateral total ear canal ablations (TECA). This involves removing the entire ear canal in both of his ears. Due to lack of insurance (and the inability to obtain it now as this is considered a pre-existing condition), the cost of this surgery is extremely expensive. I know not all of you are in a position to help which is more than understandable, but this is more than I can handle at the moment and I felt it doesn't hurt to reach out. The money raised in this fundraiser will go toward the cost of Ajax's vet appointments, pre-operative screening and the surgery itself, which was quoted by the surgeon to be approx $7,500(+).

 

My heart is broken about him needing surgery, especially since he is so young to have this advanced of ear disease and that his hearing is permenantly going to be affected. However, I have done everything I could, exhausted all of my options/funds/resources, and this poor boy still lives in pain every day. He is my best friend and I want nothing more than for him to live a long, healthy, happy, pain free life.

 

Any little way you are able to help is sincerely appreciated.

 

❤

Update 4/7/22: I sought a second opinion at a different veterinary hospital & have decided to go with them, based on both reputation and cost. The new estimated quote we recieved from this facility was $5,000 (+) for both ears, which is $2,500 less than the first facility. I've lowered the goal of this fundraiser due to this new estimate. So far, just the 2 surgical consults, health check & bloodwork we've gotten this past month for this process cost $600. Your donations have already been so helpful and are greatly appreciated.