Our Poppy Dog's Surgery
Donation protected
Last month (August, 2019), we noticed that our 4-year old miniature dachshund, Poppy (bottom, left) would yelp when we tried to pick her up. She also had a marked decrease in activity level. Dr. Drew, our vet at Brack Animal Hospital here in Windsor, examined her and told us that he suspected IVDD. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.
The optimal course of action suggested by Dr. Drew was an MRI to determine the location and cause of the injury to her back. Unfortunately, an MRI is about $3000.00. A more conservative approach was offered: Poppy was given a cortisone injection and cortisone pills to reduce inflammation as well as pain meds. His orders were also for Poppy to be confined to her crate to prevent further damage. After a month of back and forth with the vet and her condition improving then deteriorating, he has strongly suggested the MRI. (Plain X-rays may show an abnormal area in the spine. However, because the spinal cord does not appear on X-rays, special imaging may be necessary to locate the source of the injury.)
Sadly, Poppy's condition is deteriorating quickly. Her back paws are now turning inward when she walks and she is getting weaker--meaning that it's evident there is pressure being placed on the spine. She needs the MRI, and most likely, back surgery.
We are looking at a cost of about $10,000.00 U.S. ( Veterinary Neurology Specialist in Michigan) according to Dr. Drew. There is also a specialist in Toronto area who could do the MRI and surgery, but the cost is about the same when the currency conversion is considered. The prognosis for this type of surgery can be very good, but really hinges on getting it done as soon as possible.
The funds collected would go directly to Poppy's veterinary and rehabilitation bills. (She might need one of those doggy wheelchairs for awhile or forever).
If you know anyone in our family, you know our wiener dogs are our whole world. Poppy is the most gentle, loveable dog - she's our baby. When someone is upset she knows right away (she crawls into your lap and puts her face on your shoulder to make you feel better). Her favourite pastimes are snuggling in someone's arms (or begging to be on you), eating anything from dads BBQ or hopping through Realtor Park and biting all the fluffy dandelions with her brother Geoffrey.
The past month has been extremely difficult as she has lost her happy, bouncy personality. She is in pain most of the time and doesn't even ask to cuddle anymore, which is breaking all of our hearts. We spend every moment with our Poppy that we can and it would mean everything to our family if you could donate what you could to help us make her happy again.
Sincerely,
Sheri, John, Shaelyn, Connor & Tristan (& Geoffrey)
The optimal course of action suggested by Dr. Drew was an MRI to determine the location and cause of the injury to her back. Unfortunately, an MRI is about $3000.00. A more conservative approach was offered: Poppy was given a cortisone injection and cortisone pills to reduce inflammation as well as pain meds. His orders were also for Poppy to be confined to her crate to prevent further damage. After a month of back and forth with the vet and her condition improving then deteriorating, he has strongly suggested the MRI. (Plain X-rays may show an abnormal area in the spine. However, because the spinal cord does not appear on X-rays, special imaging may be necessary to locate the source of the injury.)
Sadly, Poppy's condition is deteriorating quickly. Her back paws are now turning inward when she walks and she is getting weaker--meaning that it's evident there is pressure being placed on the spine. She needs the MRI, and most likely, back surgery.
We are looking at a cost of about $10,000.00 U.S. ( Veterinary Neurology Specialist in Michigan) according to Dr. Drew. There is also a specialist in Toronto area who could do the MRI and surgery, but the cost is about the same when the currency conversion is considered. The prognosis for this type of surgery can be very good, but really hinges on getting it done as soon as possible.
The funds collected would go directly to Poppy's veterinary and rehabilitation bills. (She might need one of those doggy wheelchairs for awhile or forever).
If you know anyone in our family, you know our wiener dogs are our whole world. Poppy is the most gentle, loveable dog - she's our baby. When someone is upset she knows right away (she crawls into your lap and puts her face on your shoulder to make you feel better). Her favourite pastimes are snuggling in someone's arms (or begging to be on you), eating anything from dads BBQ or hopping through Realtor Park and biting all the fluffy dandelions with her brother Geoffrey.
The past month has been extremely difficult as she has lost her happy, bouncy personality. She is in pain most of the time and doesn't even ask to cuddle anymore, which is breaking all of our hearts. We spend every moment with our Poppy that we can and it would mean everything to our family if you could donate what you could to help us make her happy again.
Sincerely,
Sheri, John, Shaelyn, Connor & Tristan (& Geoffrey)
Co-organizers (2)
Sheri Kenney-Amour
Organizer
Windsor, ON
shaelyn st.amour
Co-organizer