[carolbcac]

Chyle is usually more of a creamy color, but could be slightly pink. It is an opaque fluid and usually has little "chunks" or flecks of granular material.
I have been doing some reading, and apparently it can be found under the skin if lots of lymphatic vessels are weak and distended.
What type tests have been done on the fluid and what blood work on the dog?

[flotsam46]

It was a pinkish fluid with "specks" in it, exactly as per one of the two possible options (according to the internet). As to all the tests, I'll write you as soon as my wife gets back - she was the one who took him to the U of Wa college and does the vet visits as she is disabled and not working. We both do really thank you for your interest... any, even faint or nigh undiscernable light at the end of this particular tunnel is so welcome.

[flotsam46]

Sorry for the delay in replying - we have been away to Britain. Bubba is not getting better, but equally is sort of holding his own. He's had to be drained about every six days these last two weeks, but we stopped the Rutin (he really did not want any more) to see if he "knew" better. He's now back on that. Once drained, he is almost his normal self. We have talked to our vet, and to the U. of Washington Vetinerary School: invasive surgery has a 90+% of success, whereby they take the lymph tube and move it so that it drains into the stomach... we have some doubts about this as to (a) Bubba surviving the op, (b) the cost, and (c) it is treating the symptom, not the cause.
We have given a lot of thought as to the "how" he got this - if caused by a major trauma as we have been told (such as being hit by a car), then the only thing he has ever done is to do "running dives" (read bellyflops) into a lake to retrieve chunks of wood or plastic bottles - he used to live for swimming. Other than that he has never even fallen hard, never mind any other accidents.
We're still waiting for an answer as to the blood test results from the U. of Washington - I'll post them as soon as we hear.
Any ideas welcomed!

[flotsam46]

Since I last wrote, there has been a rather astonishing development> Up to six weeks ago, Bubba was being drained every three days, and his end was seemingly drawing nigh. Then two things happened almost at the same time: his daughter came on her first heat, and that, of course, drove him virtually crazy. At the same time we were given an eight month old Great Dane neutered puppy. The result? Bubba lost weight pining to get at his daughter, but didn't need to be drained for THIRTEEN DAYS... and then there was only 300 mL compared to the usual 600 mL+ every THREE days. He's now gone five days since then, and no sign of laboured breathing etc.
Any ideas why either a in heat or a puppy or a combination of both should have this effect? We have also been giving him 10,000 gms/day of Rutin - though previously this did not seem to be having any effect.