Hi everybody, I need help.

Updated info:

Update Jun 2 2025: Finn's revision surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 9. $10,908 is the low estimate.

Update May 29 2025: Finn will need a second surgery next week.

The 2nd opinion neurosurgeon (Dr. Jurney at Remedy) called me this evening. She reviewed the MRI and the X-rays with a radiological specialist. Essentially, the 3rd (& better) MRI from yesterday shows a few issues, complications from Finn's surgery:

First, there is a loose piece of bone, called a sequestrum, likely chipped or broken off in the initial surgery, that is in the surgical site, causing irritation and pain.

Second, the surgical site on the inside is inflamed.

Third, the root nerve area is angry.

These have to be fixed to prevent a more serious infection and to try to give Finn an attempt at a pain-free life.

There is no guarantee that this fix will resolve it, and a third surgery may have to happen if it doesn't.

Dr. Jurney wants to move quickly so that further infection or damage doesn't occur. She is going to get me an estimate by Monday and she'd like to operate by Tuesday or Wednesday.

I will again cap out my Care Credit (it's already over half full with the 2nd MRI and spinal tap, the overnight vet stay, and the 3rd MRI and images) and use savings to front the money. I expect to get 80% of costs reimbursed by my pet insurance (pretty sure they hate me at this point).

It's still a lot. So if anyone has the desire and ability to help, I'd be grateful.

I am already so grateful by the outpouring I've received.

Side note: Today I passed a shop sign in The Castro that read:

“So far this year feels like being awake in surgery."

And nothing else lately has felt quite so accurate.

Updates to follow...

Update May 22 2025: Finn needs a 3rd MRI and likely a 2nd surgery.

The 2nd opinion vet, Dr. Jurney at Remedy Veterinary Specialists in San Francisco, is very well respected, and has serious concerns with the 2nd MRI she is looking at. She said it isn't great quality and there are too many artifacts. She had a radiology specialist also look at it.

In sum, she thinks part of Finn's vertebra might have been broken off in surgery and is infected. So another higher quality MRI (high magnet vs low magnet) is being scheduled with her ($4844.66 / $968.93 after insurance reimbursement). If she sees what she thinks she is going to see, another surgery will be needed to correct this and hopefully, finally get Finn pain free.

Well wishes welcomed. Financial help also not turned away.

Fingers crossed for a complete recovery for Finn.

Update May 17 2025: Back at the ER vet. Finn has been in pain all week, and his appetite has been slowing until it stopped tonight. He will stay overnight so they can try to get him feeling better and so they can run some tests.

Update May 9 2025:

The vet believes Finn has an unidentified autoimmune disease. We will start immunosuppressants on Monday, and I will seek out a second opinion to ease my mind.

In the meantime, Finn is struggling with all the meds. He reminds me of Boo Radley and Mathilda in their final years. He's low energy, a little confused, and has a sort of lost look in his eyes. It's heartbreaking, especially for a 4-year old dog. I just want my sweet boi back.

Updates to follow...

Update May 7 2025:

There seems to be a potential difference of opinion between neurosurgeons. Finn had another MRI today ($4,332) with the doctor who performed the surgery. He didn't see anything and is wondering if Finn has meningitis, or is a very slow healer, or if there is something else amiss. So we must wait for a few days for results. I think I will also request a second opinion on the MRI from the neurosurgeon in San Francisco who wanted to go ahead with surgery just to confirm. Finn is still living in pain that affects his walking and general enjoyment. It may mean a life lived on medications to merely manage the pain, but I am truly hoping we can find the root cause and resolve it instead. Stay tuned...

Update May 6 2025:

I got the news that I didn't want to believe today.

Finn has to undergo another MRI with 99% certainty of another surgery. He’s still in pain and the neurologist (Dr. Jurney at Remedy in SF) says that’s really the only course of action, besides also increasing his pain meds. She feels that there is likely more disc material pushing on Finn’s spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, and so it must be cleared out.

Estimate is another $15-$20.8K. I have Care Credit and pet insurance, so I can front it and I expect to get 80% reimbursed. Ideally I’m only left with around $4K to pay off, unless other procedures are added last minute, like happened last time.

Sigh. I really hope I can get my Finn to where he’s no longer in pain on a daily basis.

If you feel like helping me again, I wouldn't say no.

With gratitude ❤

Alexis, Finn, Harper & Chester

Previous March surgery message:

Finn is my sweet boy.

He is only 4 years old.

His health took a major dive this week and he needs emergency surgery.

Since Monday, March 18, he's been living in tremendous pain, screaming out in his sleep and barely able to move. He spent yesterday in the ER, and today, he had to get an MRI and spinal tap.

He has a significant disc herniation at C6-C7 pushing on his spinal cord.

Surgery is the only fix. And it needs to happen this week.

Between yesterday and today, I have spent $6,553.56 for the ER care, MRI, and spinal tap.

The surgery is being estimated between $15K-$18K (was $18,556.32).

(update: surgery scheduled for Wednesday, Mar 19 at Lenity Vet Specialists in San Mateo)

I have Care Credit, but I don't have a credit line that covers even half of this.

I don't know how I am going to front this money (over $24K all in), but I will try to figure something out.

I do have pet insurance, which will reimburse me 80%, 15-45 days after submitting a claim, leaving me with around $5K-$6K out of pocket.

I know times are so tough for people right now.

And I hate asking for help.

But if you have anything you might be able to offer to help me out, I would be so very grateful.

Much love,

Alexis, Finn, Harper & Chester

Proof of information:

ER = Lenity Vet Specialists in San Mateo

Neurosurgeon/MRI = Dr. Adamo at Bay Area Vet MRI in San Mateo