Biella Bedotto Fund

This fund honors Biella Bedotto and her UF Small Animal Hospital veterinarian, Dr. Brad Case. The fund supports the College of Veterinary Medicine clinical liver shunt cases and/or liver related research similar to research currently being conducted by Dr. Case.

Biella was a gentle and often-times goofy Golden Retriever who went to work every day with her human companion, Holly Bedotto, PsyD. Biella’s naturally calm demeanor, gentle disposition and friendliness to everyone provided much needed affection, comfort and support for many of Holly’s patients. She greeted everyone with a toy and a wag and her special people were met with a toothy smile. Despite exhibiting few symptoms early on in her life, by age two Biella was diagnosed with the congenital liver condition, Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt.

Biella was treated by UF Small Animal Hospital faculty clinician Dr. Brad Case, one of only a few specialists in the U.S. who perform percutaneous transjugular coil embolization on dogs and cats with this disorder. Dr. Case and his team of residents and students treated Biella with world class veterinary medical care. According to Holly, upon meeting Dr. Case, Biella flopped down next to him on the floor. He laughed and called her “goofy”. Holly says she immediately knew Biella was in the right hands.

Post-surgery, Biella healed and was able to live with this chronic condition more comfortably. The median age for survival post-surgery is six years and everyone knew she was on borrowed time. Despite her suffering, Biella lived a big life. She worked, she traveled, and she enjoyed every bit of being a dog at work and at leisure. At age 6 years, 3 months, Biella passed on leaving a huge community to grieve her loss. This fund was created to celebrate Biella’s legacy and to make a difference in the lives of future patients.