Update

We took Romeo to see his regular vet, Dr. Sexsmith, today.  She did a thorough exam and the good news is Romeo continues to have feeling in his legs and tail (though delayed and spasmatic reactions at times) as well as having bowel movements and being able to urinate without having to be stimulated.

Dr. Sexsmith agreed with the vet who saw Romeo on Sunday in that Romeo's best option is surgery.  Basically, it breaks down like this:

1.  Surgery in Saskatoon (Western College of Veterinary Medicine) to remove the calcification.  The cost is $3,000 - $5,000 for the surgery alone.  That doesn't include any potential complications or aftercare (such as medication, physiotherapy, acupuncture).  90 - 95% chance he'll walk again.

2.  Medical management.  Romeo doesn't have the surgery, but is under constant care (being turned over every hour or 2 to prevent bedsores, being cleaned constantly, expressing his bladder or bowels a few times a day if he won't on his own, etc) and strict bed rest or being cradled.  Eventually, chiropractor or physiotherapy or acupuncture if there's any signs of improvement.  60 - 65% chance he'll walk again though the problem could happen all over again.  Cost wise, it's not a large upfront fee, but with the constant vet checks, medication, etc it could end up being comparable and he may walk or he may lose all feeling in his legs.

As you can imagine, this is a lot for us to digest and a decision has to be made soon otherwise there could be more damage done (such as losing feeling in his legs).  The fact he still has feeling in his legs and that he's so easygoing with a wonderful temperment means Romeo's a good candidate for either option.  Obviously, we want to try and make it work by having the surgery done.  We have met with our bank today and hopefully we'll know soon what can be done.

Either option is costly.  This is why we are asking for donations.  Please consider providing a donation through PayPal to the e-mail address saveromeoslegs@gmail.com.  Any donation at all is greatly appreciated.  Andrew and I are so happy that people have given donations.  This means the world to us, as you can imagine.  If you've ever met Romeo, you know he's one of the least deserving animals in this world for this to happen to (though, really, no animal deserves this).

We have created a Facebook page to help spread the call for help.  Check it out at Save Romeo's Legs.  "Like" it and please pass it around.