Lyndzy, I’m sorry you’re going through all this! I think you need a new vet — how could the chylothorax NOT be related to the lung torsion? Or vice versa?
My dog was diagnosed almost 3 years ago; the surgery didn’t work and led to a lung torsion which caused a 2nd surgery. The pleural port was put in a few months later. It did have to be replaced not long after and then had to be replaced about a year ago- not sure what happened, it may have become clogged. (has been a financial and emotional nightmare)
When the port was replaced 11/14, they found that one side of her chest was “pocketed” from scarring from chest taps. The port’s still working and I get almost 2 liters out a week (she’s 30 lbs). She’s been on Rutin 1000mg 3 times a day and on Royal Canin Low Fat Gastrointestinal food the whole time. Did they recommend a low fat diet? it’s supposed to help.
The port surgery was around $1800 total and she went home the same day. The port is under the skin with the tube going into the chest cavity. Probably depends on the dog and how much fluid; we do it twice a week. She’s doing amazingly well considering it’s been almost 3 years. I thought it was a death sentence & the prognosis was “guarded.” She’s eating well, playful and very happy in spite of all she’s been through.
Ongoing costs aren’t bad compared to surgery (assuming you don’t have to get the port replaced). You have to use a Huber non-coring needle to access the port. You attach an injection plug to that and then use a large (60cc or 2oz) syringe to drain the fluid. Takes some effort and you keep repeating til it stops. I only shave the area once a week; might have to do it more often with your dog. Takes 2 people; one to do the procedure and another to hold/calm the dog. Very hard to do it alone and keep things sterile and her calm.
I switched from a standard Huber needle to a right angle infusion set – it has a 6″ tube so makes it easier to work with. You have to kind of push on the regular needle to keep it in while you’re pulling on the syringe at the same time. The right angle stays in place.
Costs: $48 for 12 Huber infusion sets; 60ml syringe about $1 each; 1″ 18 gauge needle about $6 for a box of 100; injection ports $55 for a box of 100; heparin flush syringes about $1 or less each. I’m thinking it comes out to about $10 each time, maybe less.
Can’t find the medical supplies in one place so I have to order from several places. Some require a prescription depending on the item. I can give you the names if you do go with the port.
The place that makes the pleural port also sells the needles – http://norfolkvetproducts.com/pleuralport.html. You might call them and see if they know of any vets in the Memphis area since they supply the port. Pamela is in sales and she’s been great to work with.
I think the port is a fairly new thing. Might be used more in cats. There is a Facebook page called “Chylothorax Cats” that has some information on it but nothing for dogs.
Good luck to you and your dog! Carol
