This is Banjo. A beautiful Groodle who is almost 5 months old. At 4 months on the 2nd February, we didn't think he would make it through the night.

In short, we actually still do not know what is wrong with Banjo. He had an operation to remove a lump that appeared on his belly on the 17th January, and then on the 25th of January he started losing his balance and became extremely lethargic. Our vet visited us on this day (it was a weekend) and prescribed cortisone and we started tests on the following Tuesday to see what came up. He had radiology and bloods done under sedation with these providing no clue. On the evening of Thursday the 2nd February he became unresponsive slipping in and out of conciousness as we rushed him off to the 24 hour emergency vet hospital.

Banjo survived the night and was transferred in the morning to a vet who specialises in neurological disease and disorders. More and more tests taken, more physical assessments performed and still we have no definitive answers. Banjo is still on cortisone (although we are weening him off this) and very strong antibiotics still one month later. He is alive. He seems happier, and he is playing and eating and drinking, all with a limp and remaining wobble. He seems to be fighting whatever it is he has however without an MRI or Spinal Tap, we are still in the dark. 

To date, we have had close to $5000 in vet bills which were for surgery procedures, critial care, tests and assessments along with prescription medication. Thinking we were covered by RSPCA Pet Insurance, we thought that we could re-coup a portion of these bills, however, we have since found out that Banjo got sick just 7 days short of his waiting period being over. 

We are devastated. 

His condtion is a neurological one, either congenital or infectious. We are covering off both of these with cortisone and the antibiotics, however as we reduce these over time, his condition could deteriorate again. It is a waiting game.

As we still have no real diagnosis, we are doing everything we can to improve the quality of his life, with wholesome nutrition, vitamin B injections, B supplements, fish oil and we even give him pro-biotics. His immune system is shot to pieces. He is quaranteened to home as he has not had his 3rd immunisation shot, and that will be a long time off still until his health gets back on track. IF it gets back on track. 

Banjo is absolutely adored by my husband and I.... our two children are besotted with him and he is one of the most beautifully natured dogs that we have ever known. He is a true gift to our family. 

Any help you can offer Banjo would go a long way to help us continue to care for Banjo and get to the bottom of what is going on with him. He will need ongoing care for who knows how long. 

We feel very uncomfortable asking for help but we are out of all other options as we cannot physically offer him that MRI or spinal tap. And so, here we are, asking for help. We would love to be able to figure out why he got so sick, and what we are dealing with for the future so we can prepare ourselves. 

We are forever grateful for your kindness and generosity. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
With love 
Carolyn & Mark