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For Opie, it's an uphill battle

The 7-year-old champion Doberman is learning to walk again after the Florida Veterinary Specialists & Cancer Treatment Center removed a thickened ligament compressing his spinal cord.

By Jon O'Neill
Published March 5, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times video: Jon O'Neill] Florida Veterinary Specialists staff care for Opie, a 7-year-old Doberman. Watch video Opie's journey

Tampa – Opie, a 7-year-old champion Doberman, arrived at Florida Veterinary Specialists & Cancer Treatment Center completely paralyzed by a disease called “Wobblers.”

A thickened ligament was compressing Opie’s spinal cord, making it impossible for him to walk.

FVS doctors did surgery to remove the ligament and relieve pressure on his spine – now Opie faces months of rehab so he can walk again. To fully recover, he also needs a special underwater treadmill.

The $35,000 machine will give Opie and his doctors the boost they need to help him support his weight while he works to build muscle mass and strength.

Donors to the FVS Charitable Foundation made it possible to buy the underwater treadmill. The technology provides 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.

The Florida Veterinary Specialists Charitable Foundation aims to help FVS care for animals by buying needed equipment, helping ensure there is critical emergency care for pets that need it and helping people who might not otherwise be able to afford care for their pets.

The new treadmill should be installed by March 2, and Opie should have his first session soon after.

The St. Petersburg Times is following Opie’s battle to walk again in a series of video reports that begin today.  

[Last modified March 4, 2007, 20:13:32]