Mickey's IVDD surgery
Donation protected
On Monday 12 March 2018, the unthinkable happened to our little Mickey. A lazy public holiday turned into a very unfortunate event where our Mickey lost the use of both of his back legs and became parlysed.
The morning started as per usual- 8.30am face licking and a push for us to get up and serve him his breakfast; that all went down a treat for him. As the morning passed and early afternoon progressed, he seemed to be less energetic but we figured that it was more to do with a very long weekend of activities. More time passed and my partner had heard a strange bark from Mickey but simply thought it was our fella letting a bird outside know who's boss.
As I sat down on the couch to get to some crafting at about 4.00pm, Mickey, staring up at me from the ground, would't jump up. Strange, I thought. I picked him up and let him lay with his head on my lap and his big, brown eyes staring up at me. I wish I had known at this point that he was clearly in pain and trying to communicate this to me. Over time, the noises he was making seemed a little odd, they were faint but audible, just. I checked all his limbs, gums, breath, pressed his belly and called a vet. 'If he is eating, then he is mostly likely ok and perhaps just a little tired,' the reception said. I wasn't convinced but thought I would just monitor him to see how it went.
I was also a little fatigued, so at about 6.00pm, after giving Mickey his usual dinner at the usual time we both lay down to have a little snooze. He seemed to be moving his rear end very strangely, slowly, and hesitantly up the stairs to our bed. He lay down with me and snuggled up as close to me as he could, nestled in the nook of my armpit. I could hear some strange sounds from him and the tell-tale sign was after about an hour of napping, he tried to sit upright, but struggled to do so.
Then, a feeling of dread began to take over. I knew of the dreaded IVDD and the 1 in 4 chance, I never thought that Mickey would fall prey to it. How could he? He is perfect to us in every single way and we take so many precautions for him. The best food, the best care, the best everything for him to protect this little dude! I am not sure how to describe the feeling of witnessing your beloved fur baby try to move and unable to do so, but dragging his back legs behind himself, my heart simply sank... our biggest fear was staring me right in the face.
Thankfully, we were able to get him to a vet that are able to do the surgery for him. The chances of it returning are not completely gone, but with the early signs and the fact we took him in straight away, his recovery of being able to walk again and not being paralysed is looking positive.
Of course, this all comes at a cost...
It will cost us up to $6,000 alone for the CT Scan and surgery, and thereafter rehabilitation and medication costs which we aren't sure of its total at this stage. It's a lot of money, but we would do anything for our Mickey. Anyone that knows Mickey understands the joy that he brings to all of those around him. Anyone that has met Mickey will understand the love that he gives to others.
Of course, this all comes at a cost...
It will cost us up to $6,000 alone for the CT Scan and surgery, and thereafter rehabilitation and medication costs which we aren't sure of its total at this stage. It's a lot of money, but we would do anything for our Mickey. Anyone that knows Mickey understands the joy that he brings to all of those around him. Anyone that has met Mickey will understand the love that he gives to others.
I have set a goal (we paid $1000 deposit so far) and we don't expect to reach that goal (that would be fantastic nevertheless!), but anything would help being put it into the kitty at this point, especially for Mickey's rehabilitation that he will require after the surgery he underwent today. We are hoping we can bring him home tomorrow and have him on the road to a full recovery.
Every cent will go towards Mickey's costs and helping with his ongoing treatment. You can also find out more about IVDD here: https://www.ivdd.org.au for those that don't know anything about this disease.
Once we have Mickey back in our care and the space set up, I am hoping to utilise my crafting to distribute some goodies to those that are able to donate as a very appreciated thank you!
Much love from all of us here,
Mickey, Ash and Mirko.
xoxo
Organizer
Ash Leigh
Organizer
Moonee Vale VIC
