Gunney is a 1-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier in Franklin, OH, who needs $1,000 for post-operative care and possible placement of permanent tracheostomy tube.

We got Gunney when he was 8 wks old. He has always been a very sweet, smart, playful boy who's easygoing nature instantly made its way into our hearts. He goes with us everywhere and is a constant source of comic relief with his pet buddy Bubby (our Shih Tzu).
From the very beginning, Gunney had a weird breathing pattern but we just attributed it to his breed and short snout. We often joked that he was our little Darth Vader. But as he grew, his breathing became more labored to the point he could no longer go on walks around the block without practically collapsing afterward. It was at this point we sought out medical attention. At his 1 year checkup (last wk) we were referred to a specialist who diagnosed Gunney with Laryngeal Paralysis. The doctor recommended a relatively common procedure called a "Tie-back". So, we agreed with the plan and got him ready for surgery.
Unfortunately, due to congenital bone abnormalities found in his larynx, they were unable to perform the tie-back procedure and the surgeon tried to clear out as much of the abnormal bone growth as they could to improve his airway. He currently has a temporary trach tube and has been hospitalized for approximately 4 days now.
The original plan was to wean him off the temporary trach to see if the procedure they did perform was successful...Unfortunately, during one of his trach cleanings, he aspirated and has now developed pneumonia. He is currently on heavy antibiotics and is holding steady, with the possible plan of performing another procedure (either another cleanout or placement of a permanent trach) next wk.