2nd Opinions from OSU (Oklahoma State)

I'm making plans for a 2nd opinion towards the end of the month when Claire's crate rest is complete.

The vet out here in Los Angeles is absurdly expensive. Our surgery (hemilaminectomy) is estimated at nearly $6,000 and that did not include the $2,000 MRI that was done to diagnose in June. I'm looking at other options without sacrificing quality.

If you're interested, I've posted the surgery estimate on Claire's blog at
http://sponsorclaire.blogspot.com/2011/07/claires-surgery-estimate.html

I also have Claire's MRI films on a disc to take with me, along with her records.

I've searched the Dodgerslist database, but didn't find any info, so I was wondering what type of experience folks have had with the vet school/hospital at OSU (Oklahoma State University). I have a friend in Stillwater and another with airline miles to burn and am considering flying Claire out there for evaluation and surgery if warranted. I'm hoping a teaching hospital will serve us better, and I've seen/heard stories of OSU being on the forefront of IVDD treatment.

I just spoke for a half hour or so with a Dr. Moorer at OSU, a second year surgical candidate, who ran over the kinds of treatments they specialize in there. He encouraged me to pursue physical therapy till Claire is stabilized for a month or so following the crate rest, then consider Laser Disc Ablation as a preventative measure. So much to think about!

Any feedback? Please post comments on the blog or email me directly.

A Second Treatment & a Second Opinion

Claire had her second Laser Therapy Treatment today. I'm still reserving judgement until she's had a few of them. The vet clinic had an emergency so we were waiting a bit before they took her back, and Claire was highly entertained. The check-in counter height is just the right level to contain her, so we just hung out there and people watched. She visited with at least ten clients and staff. I can tell the crate rest is boring her now, but there's not much we can do about it. Since she broke a tooth on a Nylabone, I can't even offer her chew toys.

On the Claire News front today, Dr. Gorgi's hospital will not set up an account receivable to accept donations for Claire. They gave no reason, other than when they sent it up the chain to the Hospital Regional Manager, saying that there were implications in taking credit cards over the phone. Most foundations like to award grants directly to the vets as well, rather than to an individual, and I doubt they'll be cooperative there either. So they've pretty much ruled out my treating her there.

I did more research on IVDD and when surgery is warranted by reading here. I looked into UC Davis today as I've heard great things about them. Turns out they have a San Diego branch, so I reached out to them, but they don't handle neurology. Davis is 8 or 9 hours from my home, so I haven't decided to take her there yet--I'm just continuing crate rest and conservative treatment for now and will evaluate once that is over, but I'm keeping Davis in the back of my head for a second opinion if or when surgery turns out to be necessary.

I'm going to check out a business I've noticed near my home that manufactures foam. Seems to me this would be a cheaper solution than the wood ramps I've seen on the market. Does anyone have experience with this?

Claire's Surgery Estimate

Here is the estimate for Claire's surgery, called a Hemilaminectomy, prepared by Dr. Gorgi of VCA California Animal Hospital Veterinary Specialty Group. The total comes to nearly $6,000 and is only an estimate--there is no guarantee charges will not exceed this amount, especially if there are any complications. The final page is really just a disclaimer stating such. The estimate includes 3-4 days of hospitalization. Click on the image to enlarge it to a readable size.

I'm still working with Dr. Gorgi's facility to set up an accounts receivable for Claire, so that donations can be sent directly to them. Until that's available, donations can be made by credit, debit or PayPal to the ChipIn on Claire's blog at SponsorClaire.blogspot.com. No help is too small. Thanks in advance for your support, and for spreading the word about Claire's situation.

If you have been through this procedure with your pet, I'd love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to email me privately at etrets(at)gmail(dot)com.

Dodgerslist ~ IVDD Support & Education

After the second BBQ of the weekend, I had a chance last evening to do some quiet research on Claire's physical diagnosis. I've been so overwhelmed by the financial need that I've focused on getting the word out about that for the last week and a half. It was time to educate myself.

I stumbled upon the group Dodgerslist about a minute before someone posted it to Claire's facebook page. They seem to be the only organization out there offering support & education on intervertebral disc disease. The information is staggering, and it's scary to read worst-case scenarios of paralysis and loss of feeling. But I know they'll be a great source of support if/when we do go through the process of surgery for Claire.

Claire seems to be lucky in that she can still walk and feel even though she's in a great deal of pain. That said, I am seeing why we need to do something for Claire now, before she loses all chance of nerve regeneration. In that sense Dodgerslist reinforced the neurologist's recommendation that surgery is necessary for Claire.