Opie's Laminectomy Surgery

To All Opie's Fans,

As most of you know and may have been following Opie's medical journey within the last couple months, we have gotten results from an MRI that indicates a necessary surgery in attempts to remove a large tumor that lies closely on his spinal cord.

I am not going to let my baby continue with this tumor, with the chance of it growing in size and potentially paralyzing him.

Financially this is something that not everyone is prepared for, so I am asking for all his fans out there to help me achieve our financial goal for the tumor removal surgery. Even the smallest donation will make a difference. I appreciate each and every one of you that have been following this journey and for sending prayers and positive vibes. But now,

WE ARE GOING FOR IT! OPIE YOU GOT THIS!!

Lets get this boy back to his normal self so he can continue to live the best life I can give him!

Sept 30th

Didn’t get the news I wanted to hear today from the outcome of our MRI

Opie has a tumor that is very closely impinged in the cervical region of his spinal cord.

Turns out it is not IVDD.

There is a very fine line between the tumor and the spinal cord. We opted for surgery to remove as much as the tumor as we can.

Our neurologist, Dr. Hammond, at Pieper Memorial Emergency Vet (who is absolutely wonderful!) is optimistic that surgery can remove MOST but cannot guarantee the entire tumor removal without beginning surgery. (Tentatively scheduled for next Thursday)

To help you better understand, the lighter area to the right is the location of the tumor. There is a very small white divided line separating the tumor from the darker region on the left (the spinal cord). Think of it almost as a reverse Ying Yang☯️

We’re are optimistic and hopeful that any removal of this tumor, whether it’s all, or some, will benefit his quality of life, and that’s all I care about.

please continue to keep my Opie in your thoughts and prayers, he’s a tough cookie but he also loves them too

Sept 29th

I know my Opie boy has a lot of fans out there

So here is a recent update..

Today we went to Pieper Memorial Emergency Vet for another neurology consult. I went in knowing my plan of action and the doctor confirmed it was the best plan

They admitted him to their facility for the night and will be doing an MRI first thing in the morning. I have to say, they were all an awesome group of professionals and were truly supportive through our entire time there, and for that, I am beyond grateful.

They encouraged me to call at any hour for any update, and that they will call me after the MRI is complete, and then again once the Neurologist has viewed his imaging and confirmed the diagnosis.

I never ask for stuff like this, but please keep my boy in your thoughts & prayers.

On the bright side… tomorrow is the day we’ll have an answer

Sept 22nd

love & lamb chops are the best medicine

Thank you so much for the lambies Kristina Tee

Today marks 4 weeks of crate rest for my boy.

1 more acupuncture session & we’re off for a 2nd neurologist opinion next Friday.

It is likely we will end up doing an MRI.

I just need answers

Sept 6th

1st acupuncture session down!

August 26th

Happy National Dog Day my love bug!

You’re doing so well putting up with this “crate rest” thing. Almost 1 week down and 5 more to go. I’m so glad we’re finally getting the hang of our new (hopefully temporary) routine together.

Mommas getting impatient to get you started with your acupuncture and laser therapy (He’s starting Sept 6th) but for now we’ll do what we can with rest, meds, and lots of snuggles

I love you so much my boy, please get better soon!

August 22nd

Feeling like a terrible dog mommy, but I know this is only for the best for him

For those of you that don’t know, Opie has recently been diagnosed with IVDD(intervertebral disc disorder) which is a spinal disease/condition seen in some dog breeds more than others, the beagle being one of them. He has been to his primary vet as well as a neurologist who is addimate on 6 weeks of “crate rest” with the exception of going out to use the bathroom. He is starting the conservative route with medication and strict confinement and will be starting acupuncture treatment in the next couple weeks. Surgery could be suggested if I can’t stick to this. But I have to.

This is killing my heart and taking a big toll on me. I hate seeing my boy cooped up like this.

I’m only doing what is best for you, Ope. I love you so much & can only pray that you make a full recovery from this & are back to your spunky beagle self in no time