Emergency IVDD Surgery for Harper
Donation protected
Harper is a 5 year old Pocket Beagle we rescued from the Bowling Green Humane Society in October 2017. She has been struggling with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) since last summer. This condition causes her disc to loosen from its place in her spine and press against the spinal cord causing pain, wobbliness, loss of motor function in her hind legs, and eventually loss of deep pain (essentially leaving her paralyzed). She had her first episode July 2018 and was able to make a full recovery. We thought it was just going to be a single incident.
Last week she started to experience more pain and discomfort. We did everything we could to help her medically, and did all the treatments that worked in July. Unfortunately, none of the medications or rest were helping and Harper got worse. Thursday we made an appointment to see the vet, but Friday we came home to take her and she already lost motor function in her back legs. We were sent to Nashville Veterinary Specialists emergency room and spent the night deciding our options. Even though Harper has lost that function in her back legs where she can't walk, she still has the deep pain in her toes which shows she is not completely paralyzed. This is a great sign that if treated in a timely manner she can make a full recovery. However, that also means that time is of the essence so that she doesn't worsen. We had to make the choice to go ahead with the surgery.
The surgery is essentially taking the portion of her disc that is putting pressure on her spinal cord. By leaving a small hole in the disc it ensures that it if the disc were to continue to loosen it would have another release point instead of shifting putting that pressure back onto the spinal cord. This procedure is extensive and will cost around $5,500. It is our only option for Harper's recovery.
We are asking for donations so that Harper can be her playful and loving self again. Anything that you can give would be appreciated and would go a long way in getting her the care she needs. If you have any questions regarding the procedure or costs or any reassurances before supporting Harper, we will be happy to answer. For a verification of her expenses we attached the estimates posted in the updates.
Last week she started to experience more pain and discomfort. We did everything we could to help her medically, and did all the treatments that worked in July. Unfortunately, none of the medications or rest were helping and Harper got worse. Thursday we made an appointment to see the vet, but Friday we came home to take her and she already lost motor function in her back legs. We were sent to Nashville Veterinary Specialists emergency room and spent the night deciding our options. Even though Harper has lost that function in her back legs where she can't walk, she still has the deep pain in her toes which shows she is not completely paralyzed. This is a great sign that if treated in a timely manner she can make a full recovery. However, that also means that time is of the essence so that she doesn't worsen. We had to make the choice to go ahead with the surgery.
The surgery is essentially taking the portion of her disc that is putting pressure on her spinal cord. By leaving a small hole in the disc it ensures that it if the disc were to continue to loosen it would have another release point instead of shifting putting that pressure back onto the spinal cord. This procedure is extensive and will cost around $5,500. It is our only option for Harper's recovery.
We are asking for donations so that Harper can be her playful and loving self again. Anything that you can give would be appreciated and would go a long way in getting her the care she needs. If you have any questions regarding the procedure or costs or any reassurances before supporting Harper, we will be happy to answer. For a verification of her expenses we attached the estimates posted in the updates.
Organizer
Tyler Brimmer
Organizer
Bowling Green, KY