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<div><strong>*</strong>Updated With Surgery Information<strong>*</strong>
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<div>Today we are raising money to fund surgery and ongoing treatment for our beloved dog <strong>Thacker</strong>!
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<div>Thacker is an adorable, curious, and gentle dog. Born in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, he now lives in the beautiful town of Paradise, Newfoundland with his parents Alanah and Duncan. An adventurous spirit, his favourite activities are swimming, hiking, and wrestling with his two feline siblings, Olive and Barley.
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<div>Sadly, these days Thacker cannot do many of the things he loves. Most of his favourite pastimes cause him too much pain. His heart longs to explore trails and beaches, but his body isn’t up to the task. Thacker needs help.
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<div>A purebred <strong>Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever</strong>, Thacker was selected as a puppy to be trained as a Search and Rescue dog. His intelligence, keen sense of smell, and inquisitive nature made him an excellent candidate for the role. However, early on it became apparent that something was causing Thacker pain.
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<div>Thacker was seen by the experts at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI and was diagnosed with <strong>Intervertebral Disc Disease </strong>(<strong>IVDD</strong>). This disease causes the cushioning between the vertebrae in his spine to deteriorate, causing pain, nerve damage, and - in some cases - paralysis. Because Thacker was<strong> <em>uninsured</em> </strong>at the time of his diagnosis, any costs associated with his back problems must be paid out of pocket.
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<div>Recently Thacker’s pain has reached an all-time high, and the pain management approach taken thus far is no longer sufficient.
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<div>To assess the state of his back, Thacker was required to undergo an MRI and lab testing in November at the Veterinary Specialty Centre in St. John’s. The cost for this procedure and the associated diagnostics was <strong>$5,417.65</strong>.
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<div>The results of the MRI showed that Thacker now has multiple disc herniations and end plate changes which are causing him pain. The most severe herniations are in his cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral regions. Which is to say that they run the full length of his back.
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<div>The veterinarian has recommended that the best course of action is to perform <strong>surgery</strong> in those three regions, as soon as possible. The aim of the surgery will be to extricate the herniated disc material and to fenestrate nearby intervertebral disc material to reduce the chance of future herniations.
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<div>The final cost of the surgery will vary depending on any complications that may arise, and his recovery time. The estimate from the clinic ranges between <strong>$13,523.45 - $18,787.00 </strong>plus rehabilitation.
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<div>At this time, we are seeking assistance to cover the current and upcoming cost of Thacker’s surgery and treatment. Our goal of<strong> $20,000</strong> will allow us to pay for the initial MRI as well as this necessary operation.
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<div>We love Thacker very much and wish for him to have a comfortable and happy life. If you are able, please consider donating to Thacker’s fundraiser. Every contribution makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who pitches in.
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<div><strong><em>Thank You! </em></strong>
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<div>Alanah &amp; Duncan
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Brittany Snow

Anonymous

Amanda Hajjarah

Michaela Walzthoni

Meghan Carey

Joanne MacNeil

Kimberly Monks

Cassandra Horan

Stephanie Dunn

Sarah Blagdon

Morgan Dinn

Marshall Hughes

Ian Stead

Brittany Patterson

Brendan P Stempert

Aimee Thorne

Julia Wheeler

Thacker's Treatment & Surgery

Thacker's Treatment & Surgery

Still $14,786 to go. Help us build momentum.