A RIVERLAND West family are extending their gratitude to the local community after their beloved fur baby received life-saving specialty surgery following months of tests and hardships.
Earlier this year, Boolgun residents Nancy Lancaster and her family’s six-year-old Pomeranian Tory-Misty received complicated surgery due to the community’s generous funding.
The Pomeranian pup was diagnosed with syringomyelia/COMS last year – part of her brain was sticking out the back of her skull.
Mrs Lancaster said an MRI in January 2020 showed compression of the C1-C2 vertebra with a band around it.
“The neurosurgeon said this issue, plus two others, require screws in her vertebra to skull, as well as a mucus plug removal behind the eardrums and down to her nasal passage,” she said.
“When we got Tory, we were fully aware of the problems Pomeranians can have – but it’s usually luxating patella or alopecia. Syringomyelia is very rare, but it can be found in some small dog breeds, usually cavalier king Charles spaniels.
“We needed to raise some funds to pay for Tory’s surgery, and the community was very generous in backing us – particularly a local elderly gentleman who was kind enough to donate a huge amount to Tory’s surgery after he saw the story in the local paper.
“We now visit that kind gentleman ‘Uncle’ Vern Anderson every month or two as he loves Tory’s cuddles and loves the updates on her condition.
“I still find it hard not to cry when we see him, as I’m so grateful to him and everyone else who donated to make this difficult time and surgery happen.”
While Tory has recovered from the issues associated with her surgery, for some days after she suffered from brain swelling, seizures, and cognitive dysfunction.
Mrs Lancaster said while the Syringomyelia/COMS will worsen over time and since surgery she has lost some function to her front and back legs where she can’t jump on the couch anymore and occasionally loses her footing, the family is “overjoyed” to have her home.
“No more surgery is advised and there is no more medication that can be given,” she said.
“But we’re thrilled to have more time with Tory.
“Our family wants to thank everyone who had supported us with their kind wishes and/or donations, especially Vern. It’s wonderful to have her home.”