Winston's Neurological Surgery
Donation protected
Hey there, first of all I'd like to thank you for clicking to see what this campaign is all about.
Myself, Samantha and my partner Greg are the proud parents of a 2.5 year old English Bulldog named Winston. He has such a silly and outgoing personality, absolutely loves every person and animal he meets, and literally loves to stop and smell the roses.
On Sunday June 27, 2015 at 6:30am I was woken by some very odd and scary behavior by Winston. He was in bed with me and usually lays his head on me, but this time he was leaning his whole 75lbs body on me, breathing heavier and faster than I have ever heard before, and hearing this on a bulldog is especially terrifying with them being a brachiocephalic breed. I sat up to look at him to see what was wrong and noticed his eyes had severe nystagmus (shaking uncontrollably back and forth), his head was tilted to the left, and he couldn't get up as if his body was paralyzed. Within 5 minutes I was already in the car with him and we were on our way to the ER. After being to 3 ER's, an on call neurologist, another neurologist the next morning, and about $1,500, it was concluded that the symptoms were neurological and we were told a couple different possibilities for what could be happening and what options we had.
1. A deep inner ear infection passed the eardrum pressing on nerves and possibly moving its way up to the brain.
2. A tumor or mass on the brain.
The inner ear infection was the most likely so we had an MRI scheduled at the ER vet the following day in order to rule out any further infection towards the brain, and to confirm that it was in fact an inner ear infection.
We kept an eye on him all night, and in the morning he had seemed to be doing a lot better with walking, drinking water, the nystagmus, and awareness. Seeing this, we were obviously very happy and hopeful that he was already getting better! We were unsure of doing the MRI today considering this and that it is pretty dangerous, for Bulldogs especially, to be put under anesthesia. After going back to the neurologist our hopes went on a downward spiral.
We were told although he was getting better, the infection could slowly be spreading to the brain and only the MRI could rule that out. Furthermore the addition that after the MRI he may possibly need surgery, one of which they drill a hole into his inner ear bone and drain the fluid behind it, and the other completely removing the ear canal, leading to deafness.
We were given the option to start him on general antibiotics and anti nausea medication to see how he reacts before putting him under so we opted for that, hoping he would be able to take them as he hasn't eaten in 2 days.
Our poor little brave boy is not in too much pain, but his world is upside down and it breaks ours and our families hearts to see him go through this. He is constantly nauseous, dizzy, won't eat because of this, sleepy, and doesn't want to play or go outside which are his absolute favorite things to do! Imagine being really drunk all the time with the room spinning and never stopping...that is pretty much how he is feeling. He stumbles while he walks, can't shake or he will tumble over, and is very lethargic even without the antibiotics.
WE have no choice but to go ahead with the MRI and were told that surgery is most likely needed. After spending $1500 so far on the visits, exams, and a few days worth of general antibiotics, the MRI will be $2200 (and an additional $750 if a spinal tap is required) and the surgery will be about $3000-$4000 plus tax on top of that.
Everything was going great, but this illness came so suddenly and unexpectedly that it was impossible for us to be prepared for it. Any well wishes or donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated as this is a very difficult time having to juggle Winny's health, work, and the finances that go along with it.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read about the beginning of our long journey back to Winston's happy, fun loving healthy self.
Myself, Samantha and my partner Greg are the proud parents of a 2.5 year old English Bulldog named Winston. He has such a silly and outgoing personality, absolutely loves every person and animal he meets, and literally loves to stop and smell the roses.
On Sunday June 27, 2015 at 6:30am I was woken by some very odd and scary behavior by Winston. He was in bed with me and usually lays his head on me, but this time he was leaning his whole 75lbs body on me, breathing heavier and faster than I have ever heard before, and hearing this on a bulldog is especially terrifying with them being a brachiocephalic breed. I sat up to look at him to see what was wrong and noticed his eyes had severe nystagmus (shaking uncontrollably back and forth), his head was tilted to the left, and he couldn't get up as if his body was paralyzed. Within 5 minutes I was already in the car with him and we were on our way to the ER. After being to 3 ER's, an on call neurologist, another neurologist the next morning, and about $1,500, it was concluded that the symptoms were neurological and we were told a couple different possibilities for what could be happening and what options we had.
1. A deep inner ear infection passed the eardrum pressing on nerves and possibly moving its way up to the brain.
2. A tumor or mass on the brain.
The inner ear infection was the most likely so we had an MRI scheduled at the ER vet the following day in order to rule out any further infection towards the brain, and to confirm that it was in fact an inner ear infection.
We kept an eye on him all night, and in the morning he had seemed to be doing a lot better with walking, drinking water, the nystagmus, and awareness. Seeing this, we were obviously very happy and hopeful that he was already getting better! We were unsure of doing the MRI today considering this and that it is pretty dangerous, for Bulldogs especially, to be put under anesthesia. After going back to the neurologist our hopes went on a downward spiral.
We were told although he was getting better, the infection could slowly be spreading to the brain and only the MRI could rule that out. Furthermore the addition that after the MRI he may possibly need surgery, one of which they drill a hole into his inner ear bone and drain the fluid behind it, and the other completely removing the ear canal, leading to deafness.
We were given the option to start him on general antibiotics and anti nausea medication to see how he reacts before putting him under so we opted for that, hoping he would be able to take them as he hasn't eaten in 2 days.
Our poor little brave boy is not in too much pain, but his world is upside down and it breaks ours and our families hearts to see him go through this. He is constantly nauseous, dizzy, won't eat because of this, sleepy, and doesn't want to play or go outside which are his absolute favorite things to do! Imagine being really drunk all the time with the room spinning and never stopping...that is pretty much how he is feeling. He stumbles while he walks, can't shake or he will tumble over, and is very lethargic even without the antibiotics.
WE have no choice but to go ahead with the MRI and were told that surgery is most likely needed. After spending $1500 so far on the visits, exams, and a few days worth of general antibiotics, the MRI will be $2200 (and an additional $750 if a spinal tap is required) and the surgery will be about $3000-$4000 plus tax on top of that.
Everything was going great, but this illness came so suddenly and unexpectedly that it was impossible for us to be prepared for it. Any well wishes or donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated as this is a very difficult time having to juggle Winny's health, work, and the finances that go along with it.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read about the beginning of our long journey back to Winston's happy, fun loving healthy self.
Organizer
Sammy Romano
Organizer
Scarborough, ON
