A distraught dog owner has appealed for help raising money for an eye-watering vet bill, as he faces losing his home while costs continue to mount.
British dog owner Jaxon Feeley’s beloved Weimaraner, Rambo, went into hypovolaemic shock last month, with Feeley revealing he was willing to sell his home in Greater Manchester to foot the $35,000 bill and save his pooch, the Daily Mail reported.
Rambo has been in intensive care for a number of days and requires major surgery after she suddenly fell ill last month.
Her worried owner has been sleeping in his car to stay close to the vet, setting up a GoFundMe page in an effort to raise money for her medical expenses, which are rising by the day.
Mr Feeley, who works as a prison officer, has been updating the page as the pup’s stay continues.
“Rambo’s insurance has covered her up to £6500 ($A11,300). Her bill is now up to £11,500 ($A20,000) after 1 week in care,” he wrote.
“It is unknown how long Rambo will need to stay at the vets and intensive care costs is approximately £1000 ($A1740) per day.
“If the worst happens and Rambo requires major surgery, the cost of this as well as the after-care is something I need to be able to give my little baby girl.”
During the first week of veterinary treatment, Mr Feeley explained, Rambo was vomiting, with the fluid going back down and into her lungs.
Her health rapidly declined as she was then diagnosed with a lung infection, severe pneumonia and stomach flu. Things took a turn for the worse when one of her lungs collapsed.
Mr Feeley said: “In the vet’s words, Rambo could not have been any more unlucky with what has happened. The initial cause is still unknown but the position Rambo is in now has resulted in her being in intensive care under 24/7 observation.
“The vets are now continuously attempting to drain Rambo’s lung and monitoring the infection within her lungs whilst assessing the level of bacteria in the fluid which is being drained out. Due to all of the medication she is now on Rambo is still vomiting and hasn’t eaten any food herself for a week.”
He continued, explaining that there is a possibility Rambo will require more surgery on her lung, with fears an abscess has formed.
“Vets cannot assess whether this is the case or not for a few days whilst Rambo hopefully begins to respond to treatment.
“However, if it is, which is my biggest fear, the risk to Rambo’s life is significant. I could never forgive myself if I couldn’t give her the best fighting chance to pull through this horrendous situation.”
In his latest update, Mr Feeley said she was showing some improvement.
“After doing every test under the sun and assessing her incredible progress over the last few days, the team of staff at the vets have been gobsmacked by the power of love, presence and true fight for life.”
More than 600 people have donated to Mr Feeley, with donations surpassing £10,000 ($A17,400).
“There are no words to express how grateful I am for everyone’s love, support & donations over the last 2 weeks. It genuinely means more than you will ever know,” he said.