Help Maela Fight MUO

In March 2024, when she was just 11 months old, our precious fur baby Maela was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) following an extensive diagnostic work-up consisting of blood work, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis(spinal tap), and infectious disease testing at the University of Missouri Neurology & Neurosurgery Service. Maela had developed anxious behavior, was falling over, trembling, unable to stand, and having focal seizures all before ever even turning 1 year old. She had been seen at two other veterinary offices before being referred to Mizzou and getting her extensive work up, and final diagnosis. Maela’s MRI showed multifocal, predominantly right-sided meningoencephalitis (meningitis) affecting the frontal and lining of her brain.

Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin- is an umbrella term for a collection of immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system. The underlying cause of MUO is unknown, however genetic causes have long been suspected in dogs with MUO because of the high prevalence in specific breeds. Once we found out about her diagnosis, Mizzou encouraged us to report this to her breeder, which we did, as it is suspected to be a genetic defect along her bloodline, & that there should be no further breeding of that bloodline.

Prognosis will depend on how well she responds to treatment and varies by case. We follow a very strict regimen for Maela, including 24 hour seizure supervision always(with help from family and close friends), at home medication multiple times a day including anti-seizure medications and steroids, a seizure log, regular blood work to monitor her, and regular extended trips to Mizzou for chemo infusions.

Since being diagnosed 9 months ago, Maela has been doing well neurologically in regards to seizure activity, lab tests and physical exams. She has responded favorably to immunosuppressive therapy for maintenance of this disease process (prednisone therapy as well as adjunctive Cytarabine- Chemo therapy) along with at home medication. Kacee and Paige have been managing and supporting her care financially since March despite the major financial setback to get her original diagnosis and the medical bills from that.

Unfortunately, with as cautious and dedicated as we have been, Maela’s health took a sudden decline on Monday night, 12/9/24. Her regular symptoms came back and then worsened, and she had cluster seizures for over an hour before we could get her to an emergency vet clinic. With this recent change and deterioration in her health, the trip and associated fees were definitely unexpected. Maela stayed at VSS in Manchester Monday -Wednesday in the ICU, and then was transferred Wednesday night to Mizzou to work directly with the neurology staff where she is still currently at.

From day one of diagnosis, we have always explained that we need Mizzou to tell us when or if we need to stop this journey- we do not want Maela to suffer. Even today, Mizzou believes treatment is the best option for Maela with how she’s responding, we just need to get her on the right medicine. She continues to be a happy, loving, & smart little girl who loves to play with her toys and chew on her peanut butter filled cow hoofs.

If you know us at all, you know that Maela is not just our animal, but family. Again, she is not even two years old now, and is just a baby. With treatment, Maela can live a long, and happy life, as she does most days! We are committed to helping her as best we can, and giving her the best life possible!

Of course we never wanted this for our baby, but have done literally all we could as her owners/parents to get her the help she requires for this disease. Maela was purchased in September 2023, from a local frenchie breeder; in March 2024 we incurred large medical expenses when she started displaying signs of illness for all of her diagnostic testing to get her diagnosis, and each month since, expenses for her life saving medications & required labs to insure she is healthy enough for continued treatment. When we discharge, she will come home with a new medication regimen and more frequent required treatments at Mizzou until she has fully stabilized from this horrible episode.

Our goal is to hopefully get her to remission and help her, but we have exhausted all financial options including our families and care credit/credit cards.

If able to, anything to help lessen the ongoing costs that are increasing daily would be greatly appreciated by both of the girls.

Neither of us like asking for help, especially with it being so close to the holidays, but we are not left with many options. Anything you guys can do to help will be greatly appreciated! If you are unable to donate, prayers are greatly appreciated! Either way, your support means the world to us, our families, and our furry baby.

Please share, donate, and pray!