107barney and I were talking and had an idea.
It sounds like getting this part could take awhile. Does this neurologist not do this often?
You could get the surgery done faster if you brought Sprite to the US.
Some thoughts:
Fly into Boston (if flying is not countraindicated) and have surgery done at Angell Animal Medical Center by Dr. Sisson, 107barney's dogs' neurologist. He is very highly respected.
Drive to Michigan (9 hours) and have surgery done at Dogwood Neurology by Dr. Isaacs or Dr. Galle, my dog's neurologists. Would need to make sure they do this surgery, but am quite sure they do.
Please let us know if you are interested.