Hi, I’m Maggie, Mulan’s human. My girl is 5 years old and the sweetest shepherd you’ve ever met. To know her is to love her.

On Sunday night (8/17) at 9pm, we started on a walk, but she collapsed, and within 5 minutes, lost all function of her rear left leg. We rushed her to the emergency vet an hour away, where they assessed her and took x-rays. They suspected a fibrocartilaginous embolism or a herniated disc. It was recommended that she rest and follow up if she declined. By the time we were loading her into the car, she had developed paralysis in both rear legs. She is now completely dependent on my partner and me to roll over, go potty, sit, stand, and requires constant supervision.

We took her to her primary vet Monday morning, who then referred us to a hospital 3 hours from home to see a neurologist. We landed at the emergency department of Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon at 1am Tuesday morning, where we stayed for two nights. They did an MRI, and the results are highly suggestive of an embolism (affecting T10-L3). We just got her spinal tap results which indicate massive inflammation in her cerebral spinal fluid, indicating infection. It is unclear which is the cause but we will treat for both until more labs come back. Kaden and I have taken her home and started on passive physical therapy exercises while we wait to hear back.

We are also now screening for infectious disease, which will cost an additional $1,500 and starting her on antibiotics and steroids. We will receive lab results in 1-2 weeks.

The neurologist prepared us that it is unlikely we’ll see any improvements in her condition for at least 2 weeks, and her recovery may take upwards of 6 months if this is a stroke. We do mot know yet what her prognosis would be if this is caused by an infection.

I will be starting classes and work again in 3 weeks, but we’re going to give her everything we’ve got in the meantime. If you can donate, we would greatly appreciate the help. Positive thoughts her way are also massively appreciated.