On Monday 9/19 we came home to find our 3-year-old French Bulldog, Rosco, unable to walk or move his hind legs. We realized something wasn’t right and rushed him to an emergency veterinarian hospital. Following a neurological exam and an MRI scan, we tragically discovered Rosco was paralyzed in his hind legs due to a herniated disc compressing his spinal cord.

Unknown to us, the vet explained that his breed is prone to IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) which causes his disc to calcify making them brittle and more susceptible to spinal injury. At the time Rosco had lost complete motor function and sensation, with only deep pain sensation in one of his legs. Our only option for Rosco was to undergo spinal surgery, giving him a 50:50 chance to walk again.

Rosco’s surgery went well and the compression was successfully removed, but he remained hospitalized for 4 nights for postoperative pain management and supportive care. He was finally discharged for us to care for him on 9/23. At this time Rosco is comfortable but not showing the ability to move his legs or urinate on his own yet and requires our care 24 hours a day for the next 3 to 6 weeks.

Rosco has a long road to recovery ahead of him but we’re optimistic with the care we’re providing and the support he’s received from his friends and family that our little man will make a full recovery. At the moment, our vet bill is just under $15,000 and is likely to go up with physical therapy and other recovery costs. We’re reaching out to friends, family and anyone who loves Rosco as much as we do for financial help, anything and everything are greatly appreciated.

A message from Rosco:

I had a scary week. On Monday I had emergency back surgery because a disk ruptured in my spine from playing, luckily I wasn’t in any pain. Sadly, my two back legs were instantly paralyzed and needed immediate attention. I ended up staying at the hospital for four nights! I look like a football from my badass scar and a new haircut. The doctors and nurses took great care of me and I even got to experiment with drugs… don’t tell my moms.

I have a long recovery ahead because my legs don’t work right now and I can’t pee on my own But I’m strong I’m very lucky because I’m so loved by my family, friends and all my furry buds My balls and jumping tricks are in time out right now but I’ll be playing again soon. Just gotta rest, heal and watch Netflix with the humans.

Love,

RORO