This is Patsy, a 15-week-old Chihuahua. Sadly, she has a genetic condition affecting the stability of the C1 and C2 bones in her neck. This instability is compressing her spinal cord and impacting her ability to use her legs. Some days are better than others, but following a slight decline after her MRI scan, specialist vets at North Down Referrals in Redhill have recommended a brace made by WIMBA.

I first noticed something wasn’t quite right when Patsy was around 11 weeks old. She struggled on the kitchen floor, which may have been causing further damage. Her gait was very wide, and her body reactions seemed slower compared to her head and mouth movements—almost as though she couldn’t coordinate both at the same time. By 12 weeks, when she should have been going on her first walks, it just didn’t feel possible. She seemed underdeveloped, so I took her to the vet, who then referred us to North Down South Referral for neurological assessment.

Although Patsy’s insurance has been helpful, it has already been largely used to cover the cost of her MRI and initial care, and I am also responsible for a co-payment. The surgery she needs to help her walk again is estimated to cost around £13,000.

The WIMBA brace is essential in the meantime. Patsy is currently too young and small for surgery, so the brace will help keep her safe and give her the best possible chance until she is ready for the operation. She is such a sweet, loving little pup and truly deserves this chance.

Any support, no matter how small, will go towards the cost of her brace, medication, and CT scan co-payment.

Thank you so much for helping Patsy.