Surgery Costs for Bentley

Im praying for some sort of miracle.  My best friend, Bentley, a 15 month young Labradoodle pup has been diagnosed with a rare disease called Chylothorax.  Since it’s more rare in dogs, not too much it known about it or why it happens.  Chylothorax is the build up of Chyle (lymphatic fluid passed from the digestion tract) into the chest cavity.  The result is multiple chest taps (drainage of the fluid) to keep the dog comfortable, and if possible, surgery.  Bentley means the world to me.  Not once has he ever been sick until now.  What started a month ago as a minor cough turned into labored breathing coupled with the cough.  There were no other signs - no fever, eating/drinking, going to the bathroom, energy - all normal.  Yesterday I took him back to the Vet for a recheck and they decided to do a x-rays since he just wasn’t getting better after having gone through a round of Doxycycline.  My worst nightmare came true.  It was something more serious than Kennel Cough (which is what the Dr. and I initially suspected).  The fluid pockets had built up so much in Bentley’s chest that it was restricting his lungs from expanding completely.  He was essentially slowly drowning in his own fluids.  My heart is broken.  The Dr. explained that keeping him comfortable via intermittent chest taps can help, but it’s rare that non-surgical treatment alone is successful.  After doing some research, I found Dr. Phillipp Mayhew at UC Davis who is conducting a study on Chylothorax.  He mentioned that since much of the surgical procedures is part of their study, they would cover approximately  $2000.  The rest would be my responsibility which could range up to $8,000.   The recovery rate for Bentley would be 90-95%, which is awesome considering he’s so young and has many more happy dog days to live.  If surgery is too costly, his condition will worsen, and sadly I will have to choose the best option for him if he’s no longer treatable and uncomfortable.  I’ve already exhausted my savings with getting his chest tapped, pathology diagnosis, and cultures grown at a lab to get a better understanding of his diagnosis and am praying for a miracle from dog-lovers near and far.   Please, I’m begging, if you could spare any money towards getting Bentley his much needed surgery I’m certain you will be Blessed for your kindness.  Any and all donations are graciously appreciated.  Thank you so much!

Cynthia Montes