Help Hadley
Donation protected
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” —Gilda Radner
Dear Friends,
This is Hadley, our sweet, 7 lbs silky terrier.
Last fall, Hadley presented with severe neck and spinal pain. The attacks resulted in devastating spasms, which triggered moments of temporary paralysis of his forelimbs and an inability to lift his head and walk. Often, the immobilizing pain would lead to endless panting and caused a marked disruption to his every day, playful demeanor.
He was terrified to move or sleep. This was heartbreaking to witness for such a normally active and healthy dog.
In October 2014, Hadley was evaluated at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Clinic and referred to their neurosurgery unit. What followed were multiple expensive hospitalizations and a battery of invasive tests. These included a lumbar puncture as well as x-rays, a CT + myelogram, and an MRI all under sedation and anesthesia. When medical management did not improve his condition, surgical intervention was recommended.
Unfortunately, his surgery was halted when his case grew complicated by his small size and complex presentation. We were told we needed more extensive testing in London, Ontario, using a more powerful MRI machine.
Following these out of town tests, Hadley was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease and scoliosis. Likewise, his discs are irritating adjacent nerve roots causing inflammation and neuropathic pain.
We were told many dogs improve with conservative medical management, despite a 33% reoccurrence rate.
After spending upwards of $7000, and after months of rest and high dose medication, we saw his symptoms temporarily improve.
We spent the holidays hoping he would be one of the lucky ones who got better with time.
Unfortunately, in March 2015, Hadley’s neck condition suddenly deteriorated.
After re-introducing similar therapeutic medical management protocols, he developed a bowel bleed from steroids and other medication, leading to recent sleepless nights at the ER and days comforting him as his symptoms progressed.
Now, the neurosurgery team is concerned his disc(s) may have ruptured. They are recommending a repeat of diagnostic imaging and surgical removal/ correction of the affected area.
This setback could not come at a worse time.
Last month our apartment suffered frozen pipe ruptures in the ceiling.
The resulting flood damaged many of our contents and completely displaced us from our home of the past 5+ years. Our apartment remains uninhabitable and we are without most of our belongings.
We have had to scramble to find new short and long term accommodations that are well above our current means while one of us completes a university degree and the other works on a TV production whose show is currently on hiatus.
We are a hardworking, responsible and community oriented couple. We believe in giving back and are committed to ongoing volunteer work that helps improve the lives of others.
Hadley is completely healthy aside from this particular cervical spine ailment. He loves being active, and wants nothing more than to play, fetch, go swimming, squeak his toys (like it's going out of style) and bring joy to those around him.
(Except if you are vacuuming. Then all bets are off)
Like many pets, Hadley is a member of our family.
We have raised him since he was a puppy and he holds a special gift for being able to lift the spirits of everyone he meets, just by being his silly, adorable, larger-than-life self.
We have now exhausted our resources and have been left without many viable options.
Before any consultation, procedure or treatment, the VEC hospital requires full, up front payment, without the aid of payment plans.
Hadley's breed is known to live well into the mid teens. The veterinarians in charge of his prognosis and care believe he has many years left to lead a healthy, normal life if he gets the proper treatment.
Without this additional treatment, our dog will continue to suffer or may need to be put down, well before his time.
We are at the point where we need your help to give Hadley a new lease on life.
We are extremely grateful and humbled by any generosity and support during this very difficult time.
Many thanks in advance.
Hugs and dog kisses
Lauren, Missy & Hadley xo
Dear Friends,
This is Hadley, our sweet, 7 lbs silky terrier.
Last fall, Hadley presented with severe neck and spinal pain. The attacks resulted in devastating spasms, which triggered moments of temporary paralysis of his forelimbs and an inability to lift his head and walk. Often, the immobilizing pain would lead to endless panting and caused a marked disruption to his every day, playful demeanor.
He was terrified to move or sleep. This was heartbreaking to witness for such a normally active and healthy dog.
In October 2014, Hadley was evaluated at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Clinic and referred to their neurosurgery unit. What followed were multiple expensive hospitalizations and a battery of invasive tests. These included a lumbar puncture as well as x-rays, a CT + myelogram, and an MRI all under sedation and anesthesia. When medical management did not improve his condition, surgical intervention was recommended.
Unfortunately, his surgery was halted when his case grew complicated by his small size and complex presentation. We were told we needed more extensive testing in London, Ontario, using a more powerful MRI machine.
Following these out of town tests, Hadley was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease and scoliosis. Likewise, his discs are irritating adjacent nerve roots causing inflammation and neuropathic pain.
We were told many dogs improve with conservative medical management, despite a 33% reoccurrence rate.
After spending upwards of $7000, and after months of rest and high dose medication, we saw his symptoms temporarily improve.
We spent the holidays hoping he would be one of the lucky ones who got better with time.
Unfortunately, in March 2015, Hadley’s neck condition suddenly deteriorated.
After re-introducing similar therapeutic medical management protocols, he developed a bowel bleed from steroids and other medication, leading to recent sleepless nights at the ER and days comforting him as his symptoms progressed.
Now, the neurosurgery team is concerned his disc(s) may have ruptured. They are recommending a repeat of diagnostic imaging and surgical removal/ correction of the affected area.
This setback could not come at a worse time.
Last month our apartment suffered frozen pipe ruptures in the ceiling.
The resulting flood damaged many of our contents and completely displaced us from our home of the past 5+ years. Our apartment remains uninhabitable and we are without most of our belongings.
We have had to scramble to find new short and long term accommodations that are well above our current means while one of us completes a university degree and the other works on a TV production whose show is currently on hiatus.
We are a hardworking, responsible and community oriented couple. We believe in giving back and are committed to ongoing volunteer work that helps improve the lives of others.
Hadley is completely healthy aside from this particular cervical spine ailment. He loves being active, and wants nothing more than to play, fetch, go swimming, squeak his toys (like it's going out of style) and bring joy to those around him.
(Except if you are vacuuming. Then all bets are off)
Like many pets, Hadley is a member of our family.
We have raised him since he was a puppy and he holds a special gift for being able to lift the spirits of everyone he meets, just by being his silly, adorable, larger-than-life self.
We have now exhausted our resources and have been left without many viable options.
Before any consultation, procedure or treatment, the VEC hospital requires full, up front payment, without the aid of payment plans.
Hadley's breed is known to live well into the mid teens. The veterinarians in charge of his prognosis and care believe he has many years left to lead a healthy, normal life if he gets the proper treatment.
Without this additional treatment, our dog will continue to suffer or may need to be put down, well before his time.
We are at the point where we need your help to give Hadley a new lease on life.
We are extremely grateful and humbled by any generosity and support during this very difficult time.
Many thanks in advance.
Hugs and dog kisses
Lauren, Missy & Hadley xo
Organizer
Missy Crozier
Organizer
Toronto, ON