I drove Copper Kid, our young very wobbly horse, to Washington State University's veterinary teaching hospital today. After watching him for the past couple of weeks confined to a stall and not getting any better after the sudden relapse of his Wobbler's Syndrome, we finally decided to pursue the surgical option for spine stabilization. I took this photo of 4th-year vet student Kate F. checking Copper's heart rate. Kate was there to welcome us, check us in and take Copper's case history.
The first step is to find out if Copper is actually a candidate for surgery. So Copper will have a myelogram done, a procedure in which a contrast fluid is injected into the spinal column and then X-rays taken as the fluid moves down the spine. This process "illuminates" the trouble spots where the spinal cord is being compressed. The equine surgeon who does this operation will review those images to determine if he thinks surgery can help.
There are risks to the myelogram procedure itself. Because Copper is already very neurologically impaired, it's possible that the myelogram might worsen his condition. He will also have to undergo general anesthesia, which is always a bit worrisome with large animals, let alone one with a neuro problem.
The internal medicine specialists I met with this afternoon at WSU, Dr. Macarena Sanz and Dr. Melissa Hines, also cautioned that in some cases the myelogram does not show the localized areas of cord compression -- and without being able to pinpoint them, the surgeon can't operate.
So we have quite a few hurdles to get over before we'll even know if surgery is truly an option.
If we can proceed to surgery, Dr. Sanz told me that in 80% of those cases, there is at least a one-grade improvement and in 40% of the cases, there is a two-grade improvement. The scale ranges from Grade 1, barely noticeable, to Grade 5, recumbent and unable to get up. Copper is a Grade 4 ... as bad as you can get and still walk. Thus any improvement for him would make a huge difference.
Of course, there is that other 20% of cases that see no improvement at all.
The myelogram is tentatively scheduled for this Friday. Depending on when the surgeon can review the images, we may know as soon as that day ... or early next week.
If Copper becomes a candidate for surgery, we will launch a medical fund to help raise the money to pay the considerable cost of his operation.
In the meantime, please keep your fingers crossed for our youngster. As wobbly as he was when we arrived at WSU this afternoon, it didn't stop this affectionate boy from nuzzling the vet students ... who of course loved him right back. I warned Kate and her colleagues that Copper would try to sit in their laps if they let him.
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Dear Copper,
God Bless You, dear one. Be strong and don't give up the fight. You are in good hands.
Love & Kisses to you, Copper.
Posted by: Priscilla Smith | August 16, 2007 at 06:04 PM
I'm sending positive thought to the Copper Kid, as this guy is just doing so great through some really tough obstacles. He's got such a winning spirit. People I've known who've had to have myelogram's have said the worst part is the period 24hrs after. He's such a sweetie, I just want him to be all better & able to know where his feet are, romping & having a grand ole time again.
Big healing hugs to him,
ginger & the critters
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | August 16, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Please let us know as soon as you hear whether Copper can have surgery. I would be more than happy to organize a bake sale at work to raise money for his surgery.
Posted by: Christine Baltazar | August 16, 2007 at 09:07 AM
One data point at a time!
Posted by: Janet | August 16, 2007 at 07:40 AM
Good Luck Copper Kid, we will be praying for you!
Posted by: Mary Young | August 16, 2007 at 07:22 AM
I'm sorry that stall rest didn't help Copper out.
Let us know how he's doing and when we can help. For starters...we can all pray, in our way, and visualize Copper in a healthy, mobile body.
Good luck sweet boy, you have a lot of people rooting for you!
Posted by: Boundforglory | August 16, 2007 at 07:21 AM
Hi Alayne, Steve and Copper! I hope that all goes well with the preparatory tests for the surgery and that indeed, Copper is a candidate for surgery. I hope even more that he'll improve loads with the surgery. I have my fingers crossed!!
Posted by: Mariko | August 16, 2007 at 07:01 AM
Love him just looking at him. Fingers crossed, prayers in mind and you will have what financial support I can contribute if he is a surgical candidate. What a sweetheart and how fortunate he is to have you, Steve and Alayne.
Posted by: Kari | August 16, 2007 at 06:51 AM
I was praying that Copper was improving with the stall rest. No news is sometimes good news. But now I will pray that Copper will be able to be helped with surgery and move up to GRADE 1. I have my pen and checkbook at the ready for his surgery fund!!
Mary Ware
Posted by: Mary Ware | August 16, 2007 at 06:29 AM
Copper, I will be thinking about you through the weekend and I will certainly make a contribution to help pay for your surgery. Anything to help you get better. Love you lots! Laura.
Posted by: Laura Whale | August 16, 2007 at 06:14 AM
All of our prayers are with Copper at this time. We know you will all work together to decide on what is best for him! Thank you for your dedication and willingness to do whatever you can to help all of your "kids"!
Posted by: Debbie B | August 16, 2007 at 05:57 AM
I will certainly keep my fingers crossed & keep sweet Copper Kid in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 16, 2007 at 03:10 AM
Oh Copper Kid...sending all our positive vibes and prayers your way. We'll be waiting on pins and needles to see if you are a candidate for the surgery! God Speed!
Posted by: Shirley & James | August 16, 2007 at 12:31 AM