Nocturne's Back Surgery and Recovery

Hello! Our names are Savannah and Ryan and we are asking for help with our dog Nocturne who needed unexpected back surgery after a traumatic slip and fall.

Nocturne is a retired flyball dog, and while she enjoys playing fetch and showing a need for speed, she is happiest racing you to the most comfortable place in the home for a cuddle. It's her racing genes: Nocturne likes to play the game "where is mummy going next" and tries to read where you are going and meet you seconds before you arrive at the predicted soft location. She loves to sleep in bed with us, and after her crate is opened for bedtime, her starting blocks for this race, she leaps into bed as fast as she can. She enjoys making bed nests and nibbling soft, small toys.

On June 22nd, on her race to the bed, she slipped and fell, and hit her back on the bed frame. Always a stoic dog, she didn't cry out, she just looked a bit embarrassed to have fumbled the starting line as she did. She got into bed slowly with the dog stairs she has, but often opts not to use, and we went to bed thinking she would be up again and ready to go in the morning, if just a bit bruised in body and ego.

However, over the course of the next few days, Nocturne developed back pain, and attempts at out-patient therapy after visiting the emergency and referral veterinary hospital were only mildly effective. She became increasingly ataxic in the hind end, crossing her legs as she stumbled along, and was clearly unable to support herself well although the determination to show her normal, happy self was strong within her.

After re-presenting to the emergency and referral hospital, Nocturne had a consultation with a board-certified neurologist, who strongly recommended an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) as the gold standard to find out what was going on with Nocturne's spine, and her concerning rate of progressing signs. We proceeded with her MRI, and it was determined she needed immediate back surgery for the best prognosis.

Nocturne is now recovering in the intensive care unit at Lakeshore Animal Health Partners. She had a three-site hemilaminectomy of her lower spine, with epidural hemorrhage noted. Her surgery went very well, and she is in the best hands at the referral hospital.

Now that Nocturne has made it through surgery, she has some rest and rehabilitation ahead, but she should make a full recovery. We are asking for any help offset the cost of the surgery. The total estimated cost for this highly specialized surgery and recovery is $9000-$13000. Nocturne is our first dog together, and she is the heart of our home. We foster dogs for Pound Dog Rescue @ TwiceLuckyFosters on Instagram, and she is the foundation for many uncertain and fearful dogs learning how to trust and gain confidence. She is patient, welcoming and kind to all of the dogs we have come through our home. We owe it to her to give her the very best chance at healing her body, because her spirit burns so brightly.

Any help or sharing of this GoFundMe is appreciated. Thank you all so much.

Much love,

Savannah, Ryan and Nocturne