Helping Tabitha Recover from Spinal Surgery

Hello,

My name is Natalie and I am raising funds for my dog Tabitha's vet treatments.

Tabitha has been in my life since 2016 and means the world to me. She has become my best friend and baby cattle pup. She's extremely intelligent and has learned "speak", "quiet", "sit", "stand", "circle", "clockwise", "down", "go play" "walk", "wait", "say hello" (to shake), "other paw" and “lift” (when I want to carry her, for example to get her in or out of the car - and she positions herself to help me).

She also knows how to ask to go outside or to go for a walk. She can communicate a lot physically like running up behind me and poking me with her face to tell me she wants to play or making noises to let me know when she wants something or doesn't want to do something similar to huskies on Tiktok. She also sometimes asks me to carry her to bed after a movie on the couch by rolling over on her back so it's easy to lift her. She also uses eye contact to communicate.

A description of the current situation (If this is too much information skip to Aim of this donation):

On the 19th December 2023 Tabitha began to have trouble walking and has since needed three spinal surgeries for complications related to a bulging disk in her lower spine.

Tabitha is still only eight and as an Australian Cattle Dog has one of the longest life expectancies for a dog, reaching up to 16 years on average, with some dogs living longer.

Tabitha's condition is rare in a dog that hasn't been in an accident and is known to be a rare complication of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) which Tabitha has. Often this condition causes no symptoms and Tabitha did not present with any issues until her bulging disk. This suggests the condition without this current issue may not be causing her discomfort.

If managed appropriately Tabitha's life expectancy could potentially be normal although outcomes for this disease in dogs are still not fully researched. Most dogs recover after surgery without any other significant issues arising however for a small number of dogs, issues have been known to reoccur elsewhere in the spine. The majority of these have been treatable. With this in mind she is currently in intensive treatment as she has lost the ability to walk. She is still able to feel her legs and feet and has limited movement of them when sitting. This is a huge positive sign in terms of her prognosis.

However her only chance to get better now is a combination of rest, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and potentially laser therapy.

Aim of this donation

Whilst I am committed to getting Tabitha the best treatment available it will be difficult for me to afford this concurrently with my loan repayments which I have taken out to afford treatment so far, especially if there are any unexpected expenses. I have put the total amount for donations at a point that would cover the costs of treatment so far, would allow me to pay off the loan and would put me in a position to afford her ongoing treatment by budgeting from my salary. It would especially put us in a position where if Tabitha needs something extra, for example staying at the vet a few days for more intensive care, I could afford this. Having said that any amount right now can go directly towards her ongoing treatment and is absolutely critical in providing her any care she needs at this time.

A rundown of medical costs:

Tabitha's medical costs have unfortunately been extensive. Her projected costs to date (including an estimate for her current inpatient treatment for which I have paid a 50% deposit) have been close to $60 000. I have taken out a $41 000 variable unsecured loan currently at 11.99% interest with the bank. Luckily I have pet insurance but my policy was used up during diagnostic testing and her first surgery.

Thank you for taking the time to read this campaign. If you are not in a position to donate I completely understand but if you could take the time to share this it could still substantially help my ability to provide care for Tabitha and I would be very grateful.

Kind regards,

Natalie