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FVS Charitable Foundation offers “Opie” a Second Chance at Life
Tampa, FL -- When Opie arrived at Florida Veterinary Specialists & Cancer Treatment Center, he couldn’t walk at all. In fact, he couldn’t even raise his head. It turns out, the 7-year-old Doberman was completely paralyzed as a result of a disease known as “Wobblers.” A thickened ligament on top of Opie’s spinal cord made it challenging for the dog to walk and eventually led to his current degenerative condition. To relieve pressure on his spine, Dr. Mark Levy of Florida Veterinary Specialists performed a dorsal laminectomy. Now, post surgery, Opie needs a great deal of rehabilitation.
“Water therapy and treadmill therapy are his best hope of walking again on his own,” according to Dr. Felicity Talbot of Florida Veterinary Specialists. An underwater treadmill would provide Opie the resistance he needs to build muscle and gain strength. While Florida Veterinary Specialists is home to the most state-of-the-art technology, an underwater treadmill is presently not among the many resources. But, that’s about to change!
In an effort to provide immediate care for Opie, donors to the FVS Charitable Foundation have now made it possible to purchase an underwater treadmill. This technology may provide hope for Opie and other pets like him. Hydrotherapy reduces the force on joints and is ideal for older, obese, arthritic or post-surgical dogs. Many pets will come to benefit from this new technology.
For pets like Opie and others who need care in a time of crisis, the Florida Veterinary Specialists Charitable Foundation needs continued support. Anyone wishing to support the FVS Charitable Foundation can do so by sending a tax deductible contribution to:
The FVS Charitable Foundation
3000 Busch Lake Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33614
Or by calling: 813-386-3917
Media Opportunities: The underwater treadmill arrives at Florida Veterinary Specialists on Friday March 2nd. You are invited to come out when the equipment arrives. You are also welcome to see Opie undergoing rehab. For now, doctors use a therapy ball to help retrain Opie’s muscles. They also perform acupuncture and range of motion exercises. Opie is expected to begin therapy on the underwater treadmill immediately after installation.
Photos of Opie are available upon request
About the Florida Veterinary Specialists Charitable Foundation:
The Foundation, a charitable organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal revenue code is designed to work hand-in-hand with the clinical hospital. The foundation supports a “Hope Fund” which assists individuals who are suffering difficult financial times when their pets need specialized care. The Foundation also supports research and education. For more on the FVS Charitable Foundation, visit www.fvs.com and click on “Giving.”
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