Doodle Needs Heart Surgery. Any Advice?

[Jason]

My 4 month old English Mini - Goldendoodle puppy needs heart surgery (Serious PDA). The doctor said it was one of the worse ever. We initially received the dog for free because of some genetic defects in the mouth and eyes but we were unaware of the heart. I paid about $500 today for the initial exam and the surgery is about $2200. Way out of my range. Anyone know of a surgeon who could do a cheaper surgery? I am in the Chicago area but would be willing to travel. I have already contacted several universities like Madison, Purdue, TN, Auburn and Miss. Most are very expensive. Any Advice?

[Adina P]

I can't offer any advice, but I do want to say I'm so sorry your poor puppy has to go through this. Good luck in your search and please keep us updated on how it is doing. What is the prognosis after surgery?

[Debbie and Thomas]

Wow, is there any way you could pay the vet over a period of time? This may sound stupid, but I was watching Ellen DeGeneris the other day and she had a vet on her show that donates 1/2 of his practice to helping animals who need treatment for free or whatever the owners can afford to pay. I don't know where he is located though, but it was no where near California. Maybe he is close by or at least within travelling distance. I wish I could be of more help.

[Beth and Gang]

OSU vet school will base the fee according to your income. Have you checked with them?

[Jason]

Everyone has been so helpful. I appreciate all your care and concern. Here is a picture of our little Lucy.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Oh My Jason, I just looked at Lucy's picture. She is an angel!! Looks so healthy and especially happy. I live in Canada and other than my Ellen show story-I cannot be of help to you but it looks like you are getting some good answers here as I always do when I have a problem. Love to you, your family and Lucy from me and of course my GD Thomas.

[Doodle Kisses]

Jason perhaps contact the dog rescue organizations in and around your area. Rescues often work with vets who give discounts or know which vets are most likely to do so and perhaps these vets might soften their hearts toward Lucy's case. Ask around a vet, get a few quotes and maybe we can put together a little fundraising to help out.

[Kim Williams]

Jason,
I was wondering if you had already contacted the chicago animal welfare league. Their website is www.animalwelfareleague.com I believe they have full vet services. So sorry you are going through all of this with your beautiful Lucy. Please keep us posted on Lucy's progress.
Kim and Parris

[1np1tlyyqzo7v]

http://beanblossomanimalclinic.com/


Heard this place is super reasonable (particularly Dr. Brester). Like a few hundred instead of a few thousand. I hope you find the right place!

[Jason]

Thanks for all your feedback and advice. I have tried to do what has been suggested. I left an e-mail with the Dr. in Tampa and a phone message with the one in Indiana. I called the OSU but can't leave a message when they are not open. In the past I have called the Chicago humane society and anti-cruelty networks but they tell me to contact the universities. I even contacted the breeder and she was very gracious and was the one who sent me to this site for advice. Once again, thanks for all the help...

[1np1tlyyqzo7v]

Just found one right near you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.yelp.com/biz/brighton-park-animal-hospital-chicago

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I don't have any advice, but wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of you and little Lucy. I looked at her picture - who could resist such a beautiful sweetie.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

You could try Michigan State University They have a good vet school and are fairly near to you in Lansing. Ask your local vet if he knows or would be willing to speak to someone there. He would be able to describe the extent of the problem and would be more successful than just an owner on the phone - as callous as that seems. They were very willing to do surgery years ago on a horse I owned. They might be especially interested since your poor puppy is an extreme case. Mention eyes and mouth too.

In the meantime would you be willing to ask Adina or one of the breeders on this site how to go about handling the breeder and the dog parents of your puppy. I am pretty sure heart defects (let alone additional mouth and eye defects) mean that one if not both dog parents should be neutered. In my mind it also calls into question how reputable the breeder is. You might ask your vet about this also.

I will also email my sister in law in Michigan who had a golden with very severe hip dyspasia and ask her if she still has her contact at Michigan State.

Good Luck and hugs to you all.