Leo's Spinal Cord was "tethered" to a vertebrae in his back from birth. As he has grown, the cord remains attached and is forced to stretch as the spine grows, causing strain on the cord, and holds the spine back from properly growing. Leo has more growing to do and this will get worse as the spine continues to grow. The vet said that surgery can be risky and there is a possibility it could do more damage, but as we see it that damage may also happen if he continues to grow and the cord is still attached. The vet also said if Leo may regain some function if the surgery is performed.
The surgery will cost at least $3000, so Leo will need many angels to help him along the way, he will also have to be confined to a crate for 2 weeks after the surgery and then 6-8 week of recovery time.
More info on Leo's condition in human terms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethered_spinal_cord_syndrome
We will need to figure out a plan now.....
**If you could use a tax write off before the year is over, think of Leo!
