Cervical IVDD surgery needed ASAP

Hi Everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out because my best friend, Jimmy, is going through a tough time health-wise, and I could really use your support.

Jimmy was healthy and never had any issues until 2020 when he went through his first cervical IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) surgery that cost over $12,000. And lucky me, that was also the time when I got laid off due to Covid so I definitely wasn’t in any position to pay for it, but I couldn’t just put him down either. If that was the only thing that happened that year, then I might not be here today asking for help but within 2 years, he had to have 3 other major surgeries (one in which he lost his eye) so I ended up maxing out all my credit cards to make sure Jimmy got the care he needed. These surgeries, combined with the financial strain of unemployment, have left me grappling with significant debts.

Two weeks ago, while he was reverse sneezing (anyone who has a Frenchie will know what this is), he started screaming in pain and I feared and suspected that he was having another cervical IVDD issue. We went to the ER at 11pm and I waited over 8 hours to be seen as they were having a horribly busy night. When the vet was finally able to see him, she agreed that it sounded like he was having another episode but the only way to know for sure was to have an MRI (which was $5000 and cost more than it did 3 years ago and money I didn’t have). She said she could refer him over to the neurologist (who wouldn’t be in for a few hours), but that she also wouldn’t be able to give a more definite answer without a MRI. Several hours later, the neurologist confirmed everything the vet had said and advised me cost of the surgery had also increased. She advised me that my only other 2 choices were strict cage rest and medications for 8 weeks and if that didn’t work, the only other option would be to put him down if we couldn’t control his pain with the medications.

So here we are on strict cage rest and Jimmy is currently on painkillers, muscle relaxers, and sedatives again. I’m also using PEMF, red light, and cold laser therapy in hopes these measures will help manage the pain. The meds and cage rest didn’t work the first time and they had him on many more meds at higher dosages, so I'm desperately hoping that this time at least it will provide temporary relief for long enough while I try to raise funds for his cervical IVDD surgery.

I've been juggling with my own health issues, but I’ve been using all my resources to do what I can for Jimmy because I believe that his healthcare is my responsibility. I’m still trying to get back on my feet and pay off his other 4 surgeries (as well as some other smaller issues he had), so I am unable to max out my cards again because they’re still maxed out, or I would. I'm not one to usually ask for help, but I'm swallowing my pride because Jimmy's my favoritest dog ever. He’s been by my side through some of the worst times of my life when no one else was and it breaks my heart to think I would have to put him down because I can’t afford the surgery.

Jimmy’s been through a lot these past few years, but he always remains a sweet boy despite all the pain he’s gone through. I never want to hear him screaming in pain again if I can help it. I truly appreciate any amount you can donate. No amount is too small, seriously. Your generosity and contributions will not just help Jimmy get back to his happy go lucky self but also help alleviate the financial strain and stress of worrying about whether I’ll have to put down my best friend due to money.

Thank you for reading about his struggles and we truly appreciate any donation you are able to make. Your kindness means the world to both of us.

Grateful for any help,

Cat and Jimmy