This is Atom - his passions include playing soccer, going for hikes, and suntanning. Atom is a 5 year old chihuahua/beagle mix who we rescued as a puppy after he was found on the streets of Port Coquitlam. We named him “Atom” because when he was a baby, he seemed like the smallest thing in the whole world - just like an Atom!

Atom’s Condition:

On January 23rd, 2025, after a normal day of being Atom, he was suddenly unable to move his neck and was in severe pain. He was rushed to animal emergency where he was examined by a vet.

Given his symptoms and breed, the vet decided that the most likely diagnosis is a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This is a caused by sudden herniation of a spinal vertebrae, which causes the interior soft structure of the disc to protrude into the spinal canal and put pressure against the spinal cord. This pressure causes severe pain, and if left untreated, can result in life-long pain, paralysis, and/or neurological deficits. This diagnosis has been supported by a total of 3 vets at The Emergency Animal Clinic of the Fraser Valley. They explained that, while he is currently presumed to be in stage one of IVDD, the condition can rapidly worsen; putting him as risk of going from stage one to stage four (partial/full paralysis) in as quickly as less than 24 hours. This condition comes on randomly, not by injury, and unfortunately can not be seen coming.

After a full day of hospitalization for monitoring, IV pain/anti-inflammatory medication, and regular neurological exams, the vet determined that the best course of action would be to have Atom referred to a more specialized hospital for imaging to confirm the diagnosis of IVDD. This initial exam and hospitalization cost $1700.

To confirm Atom’s diagnosis of IVDD, he would require a specialized neurologist consult, further lab-work, sedated spinal and chest x-rays, an MRI, and a spinal fluid tap. He is currently being closely monitored at home, as getting into a neurologist may take up to a week, and we can not afford to have him hospitalized during this time.

The quote for the MRI alone is approximately $8000-10,000.

Once these tests are completed, and if it is found that he does has IVDD, there is a possibility that he could be treated with intense medications and weeks of crate rest. However, if it is found to be more advanced, or if his condition begins to deteriorate, the only cure is spinal surgery.

The cost of spinal surgery for IVDD is approximately $20,000.

Atom’s Prior Surgery:

In 2023, Atom suffered a complete ACL tear along with meniscus damage, which required a TPLO surgery (complete reconfiguration of his knee/joint). Being the brave and tough guy that he is, he spent 6 long months on his recovery. Because of this surgery, he was able to return to the soccer field where he belongs! However, this surgery, and his extensive recovery, cost us approximately $8000.

Why We Need Your Help:

Our names are Olivia and Cass, and Atom is our baby. We will do absolutely everything in our power to make sure he lives a long, happy, healthy life. We are both fully prepared to sell everything we own to make sure Atom gets treatment. However, given the money spent on his previous surgery and the price tag that comes with neurological testing and potential spinal surgery, our “emergency pet fund” is quickly running dry (thanks Atom). We are both full time university students working multiple jobs and doing everything we can to make this happen, but we need some support!

Absolutely anything you can do to help us make sure Atom gets the care he needs would mean the world to us. We simply can not imagine this life without him. If you can’t donate, we understand, but, please take a moment to share.

Thank you for reading.

With love - Olivia, Cass, and Atom

We will post any updates of Atom’s condition, as well as an image of the bills we receive. As of now, we have to wait on the neurologist appointment for an official quote on diagnostic testing and potential surgery.

Here are some more photos of Atom! (the image of him in a cast is from his 2023 TPLO surgery, posing with his very well deserved Certificate of Bravery):