– I heard an insane howl and the dog rolled around. Then he dragged himself down the hill, describes Daniel Olaisen. He is the stepfather of the dog Ravn. At the end of May, the two were out for a walk. As so many times before, he threw a ball for the dog to run after. This time something completely unreal happened. – At first I thought he was bitten by a viper, but quickly realized that it was something more serious. Both legs and tail were completely relaxed when the owner approached the dog. X-rays showed that Ravn had received a bang in the nerves in his back. This has caused him to lose the feeling and get a paralysis in the back. The dog, which is a mixture of collie, rottweiler and Lapphund, can now neither stand nor walk. Here is Ravn at the vet the day after the incident. At that time, the family still did not know if it would go well. From left Ylva, dad Daniel Olaisen and Aurora. Photo: Henriette Johnsen Good future prospects Now, however, the family in Kristiansand is in full swing with training. On the terrace they have both an exercise ball and a wheelchair that is specially built for dogs. He also tickles them with make-up brushes on his paws to stimulate the nerves. Ylva has grown up with Ravn and describes him as a little brother. Here she and her father Daniel Olaisen train with a training ball. Photo: Heidi Ditlefsen / news Twice a week, Ravn is taken to a physiotherapist. In addition, the family trains with him four times every day. In between all this, they carry him around in a harness. He must be followed up around the clock and is now sleeping in the marriage bed. The goal is for Ravn to learn to stand and walk by himself. – He will probably never be quite as he was, but we get full support from veterinarians that what we do for Ravn is good and that he is not in pain and suffering, says food mother Henriette Johnsen. Veterinarian: – Can become completely normal Helle Novang Pedersen is a veterinarian with a master’s degree in neurology. She answers on a general basis, but says the prognoses are good for the type of paralysis that Ravn has as long as the dog has a feeling of pain. – In many cases, they will be completely normal. Some may also be partially well and able to walk again, but not completely normal. There are also some who do not want to function normally and have persistent problems with incontinence, says Pedersen. The owners say that Ravn also forgets that he is paralyzed from time to time. – He defies everything and is happy with life. That’s what keeps us going. Started fundraising campaign So far, the family has spent almost 150,000 kroner on treatment and equipment. MRI and CT alone cost 30,000 kroner each. – It is a lot of money, but as long as we can afford it and get help, it will “go on” until it is empty at the checkout. The family has also started a fundraising campaign on social media. Around NOK 70,000 has come in here. You have not reflected on the fact that others in the world may need that money more than your dog? – Yes, we have enough, but for us this dog means extremely much. He’s like a family member. Matmor Henriette Johnsen has had a tough time after Ravn became paralyzed. In recent weeks, they have seen great improvement in him and that gives them hope. Photo: Heidi Ditlefsen / news His wife Henriette Johnsen says that they have received reactions that they spend so much money on a dog. – Some people think it is far above the line in terms of costs. “Isn’t it just buying a new dog?”, They ask, but we can not buy a new Ravn, says Johnsen. To increase insurance It was the daughter Aurora who took the initiative for the fundraising campaign. She had to persuade her parents to agree. – We find it difficult to ask for money from others, but we can not just give up our girlfriend Ravn. Now we are overwhelmed by all the help and support we have received, says Johnsen. The family has insured the dog, but that amount was exceeded a long time ago. – We had never thought we would have to insure him for 200,000 kroner. Now we have learned that it is just a matter of increasing the insurance, they say. Henriette Johnsen and Daniel Olaisen have received good forecasts for Ravn. – Now he will get up and stand and start walking. We are investing in that, says Henriette. Photo: Heidi Ditlefsen / news
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The dog Ravn became paralyzed – the owners spend 150,000 kroner on treatment – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
