Percy Needs Help!
Hello friends and family,
Earlier this year, I rescued a beautiful Pitbull puppy from a neglectful home. He was tied up in an outdoor patio with minimal to no shelter, no access to water, and living in his own filth. After paying the previous owners to let me take him, he had to be fully vetted and was treated for hookworm and roundworm infestation which had left him anemic and very underweight. We returned him to health, and gave him all the love he had been missing out on. He now eats good food and has his very own doggie bed with a plush blanket to snuggle up in. In addition, we have teamed up with professional trainers to help him become a 'Canine Good Citizen" recognized by the American Kennel Club, so that he can responsibly go out in public to receive all the love and attention his heart desires.
As we have spent more time seeing Percy grow and evolve, we have noticed some delay in certain parts of his physical development. What we thought was puppy clumsiness, has turned out to be symptoms of neurological illness. He was presented to his primary vet in early September for issues with his front left paw, which would roll over on top of itself and cause him to stumble or fall. The vet confirmed this issue, called "knuckling", and also noted his abnormal gait, a slight leftward head tilt, and irregular dilation of his left pupil. They ran a blood panel to try finding the cause for these symptoms, including a test for tickborne diseases. Nothing was found, and Percy had to be referred to a neurology specialist.
This brings me to where I am asking for help. In an attempt to get a diagnosis for his issues, Percy went through more testing and was put under while the team took pictures of his brain via MRI, and also had his spinal fluid extracted and tested via a spinal tap. These tests helped show that Percy has an excess of fluid built up around a specific part of his spinal column (C2-3), which can cause the symptoms he is experiencing. This could be due to Percy's genetics producing mutated cells in the area, or possibly from past trauma, but the exact cause cannot be confirmed at this time. The beginning phase of treatment would consist of a steroid trial to attempt reducing the build up. If this is effective, it is possible that surgery could be performed, though there would be a risk of the fluid build up reforming.
After seeking a second opinion at the Texas A&M Teaching Hospital, it appears that the spinal fluid build up is indeed an issue and can explain most or all of the symptoms Percy is experiencing. However, they are skeptical that it is the sole cause of these problems. There is nothing else to do at this time aside from starting the steroids and monitoring Percy for results. It is likely that he will have to get another MRI in the near future before surgery could even be recommended.
I am reaching out for help to cover the cost of the first MRI and spinal tap, so that I can be more financially able to cover the costs of any additional diagnostic testing and treatments. Percy is only 9 months old now, and I am trying to do the best I can for him so that he may continue to live the healthiest and fullest life that is possible for him. We would greatly appreciate any amount that you are willing and able to donate towards helping Percy get better.
Sincerely,
Scott & Percy Bobbitt
