Lewie's Back Injury Fund

**Vet's Notes are located at the bottom**

Hi, friends and family.
As many of you may know, Lewie has a disorder called Intervertebral Disk Disease.  It is fairly common in dachshunds and caused simply by genetics. 


He recently suffered his second flair-up and has not been able to stand on his hind legs since it happened.  He must be carried outside to use the bathroom (which can be rather difficult for him) and then carried back to his crate immediately.  I can maintain his current level of "comfort" through medication and rest with the hopes that the inflammation will go down and not reoccur. However, this type of medical management does not mean that he will get better, just that it won't get any worse... And it really can't guarantee that.  Surgery is the only course of action that can all but guarantee his full recovery (currently surgery has a 90% success rate). Without it, he may never be relieved of the pain.


I have had Lewie since he was 8 weeks old and he is now 5.  He has been with me through college, The Film House, and many other milestones... And I hope to bring him with me to my upcoming year at SCAD as a graduate student.  If you have met him you know how wild and affectionate he is.  He means the world to me and I'd rather not imagine a life without him.


The CT scan & surgery costs $3000-$3500 and I simply cannot afford it.  I've had several friends and family members offer to help out and suggest that I start one of these campaigns.  If we can raise at least $3000, we will go ahead with surgery. If not, we will refrain.
Similarly, I will do my best to return any money donated if, upon receiving his CT scan, the damage is deemed inoperable and surgery is off the table.
I am looking to raise the money before June 1st. The longer we wait to do surgery, the worse his condition could get and the less likely surgery will be successful.

If you are interested, please read the Vet's notes listed below.

Thank you.


VET'S NOTES:
Lewie's neurological exam findings are consistent with a disease of the spinal cord in the middle of his back. His breed, age, and history are most consistent with a slipped disc causing spinal cord compression, which is called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). In order to obtain a definitive diagnosis, advanced imaging (CT is recommended for Lewie) is necessary. We discussed that there are two treatment options for disc disease in a dog like Lewie who is walking. Conservative management consists of medications and a period of strict rest. Surgical management is via the hemilaminectomy, which entails drilling a bony window to gain access to the canal and remove the herniated disc material. Based on his current neuro status, Lewie has an excellent chance of improving with both treatment options. However, surgery offers the better long-term prognosis in that there is often a more complete recovery and a lower chance of recurrence. An estimate for CT and surgery is $3000-3500.