Lancaster SPCA

May 31, 2019 - Eight week-old Little Max and his three siblings were owner-surrendered to Lancaster SPCA after they found themselves with an unwanted litter of lab-mix pups. LSPCA took in the pups and offered to spay the mama. Our offer was refused, but the owner did promise to have her spayed in the near future to prevent another unwanted litter.

It was clear from the start that Little Max was a little different from the others. He tilts his head to one side, has trouble holding his head up, is mostly (or totally, we're not sure) blind, has difficulty controlling his movements, runs in circles much of the time and has severe pain in his neck.

After the initial vetting at Faulkner Animal Hospital, we were referred to Dr. Robert Bergman, a doggie neurologist at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Rock Hill, SC. He was observed and thoroughly examined by the doctor who felt that fluid on the brain was causing much of his neurological symptoms, blindness, and pain. After the exam, Max had a CAT scan and MRI. The tests have confirmed that he has Hydrocephalus (water on the brain). Surgery to have a shunt placed to drain the fluid is necessary to relieve some of his symptoms and perhaps restore some of his eyesight. He will need to be on pain medication for life, at the very least.

Unfortunately, a cure for this neurological birth defect is probably not a possibility, but it is our hope that we can relieve some of his pain and help him lead as normal a life as possible. He will always be a special-needs dog, but we hope to give him a chance at a good life.

The medical testing and doctor fees are quite expensive and the cost for the surgery is estimated at $3000.  We will certainly post updates here on his progress and diagnosis after the surgery. We know we will need a minimum of $5000 to cover his care and are asking for your help. Please donate if you can. Any amount, big or small, will go a long way to help LSPCA care for this sweet pup. Thank you! 


More information about Lancaster SPCA: LSPCA is a nonprofit Animal Rescue in Lancaster, SC. We rescue cats, kittens, dogs and puppies in Lancaster County and surrounding areas. Since 2017, we have become the emergency care rescue for critical-care animals in need. We take any age, any condition, and any breed. All donations go to help these neglected, ill, injured and abused animals.