Help Ziggy Recover!

Hi Friends, Family & Animal Lovers,

My name is Nicole. I’m reaching out on behalf of Sydney and her little mini dachshund Ziggy. They are both near and dear to me and they both need some help. They are facing something they cannot take on alone. And it’s never an easy task asking for financial help, that’s why I’m stepping in.

Sydney’s mini doxie, Ziggy, experienced a sudden and devastating health emergency on Sunday, May 7th. Out of nowhere, he was unable to move out of his bed, unable to use both of his back legs. She wasted no time and rushed Ziggy to the vet, where the dedicated team of veterinary medical professionals immediately sprang into action.

After a quick examination, x-ray and blood work, the doctor suspected that Ziggy had suffered a spinal cord injury, which had left him partially paralyzed. They discovered a ruptured disc between L4 and L5. The vet prescribed pain meds, steroids and requested strict bed rest. After a week of meds and rest Ziggy started to rapidly decline.

Ziggy had to be rushed back into the ER vet Friday, May 12th to be re-examined. Once the vet completed a neurological exam on Ziggy, she discussed the devastating results. She brought up the possibility of Ziggy having IVDD; Intervertebral Disk Disease. A disease that causes the spinal discs to bulge, rupture or burst. To gain a clearer understanding of his condition and to determine the best course of action, the vet recommended a visit to a neurologist, along with an MRI.

After much research, Sydney found a neurologist who was able to get Ziggy in as soon as possible. The initial exam for the neuro was $300. The neurologist suggested the same course of action, strict bed rest and an MRI. The MRI required blood work and sedation - which totaled around $3,000. Then for the neurologist to interpret and review the results was an additional $500. After completing the MRI and reviewing it with the neurologist, she confirmed Ziggy has IVDD/degenerative disc disease and a ruptured disc between L4 & L5.

The reality of the situation is hitting hard. The cost of the initial emergency care, including diagnostics, medications, and supportive treatment has already surpassed $5,000. The vet has estimated that if Ziggy does require surgery to regain his full mobility, the surgery alone is approximately $12,000. And that doesn’t include the rehabilitation and integrative care that he will need to recover.

Per the doctor's orders, Ziggy has been on strict bed rest for three weeks and has been taking pain meds and steroids daily. Fortunately, we have seen some improvement in his mobility and have updated the neurologist. We have lowered the original financial goal because the neurologist is now considering medical management/conservative care, in the hopes of avoiding surgery.

He will have another visit with the neurologist on June 7th to determine what’s next. We will keep you updated. As of right now, our goal is $8,500 to cover medical costs we’ve already spent and to help with future costs of physical therapy, acupuncture, medication and recovery care.

Ziggy is not just a pet; he is a beloved member of the family. He has brought immense joy and unconditional love into their lives. He is also the University of California Davis’ third-time champion at the Doxie Derby Races; formally known as Midtown Ziggy. (officially retired) The thought of him facing a life without the ability to walk and run again breaks our hearts.

That's why I have set up this GoFundMe campaign, as a last resort to help save and restore Ziggy’s mobility. I am humbly reaching out to all of you; anything you can contribute will help us cover the mounting medical expenses. Your support will not only bring hope to Ziggy but also provide us with the means to give him the best chance at a full recovery.

Every dollar counts, and no donation is too small. If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing the Gofundme link with your family, friends, and social networks. The more people we can reach, the closer we can get to our goal!

We promise to keep you all updated on Ziggy’s progress throughout this challenging journey. Your generosity will not go unnoticed, and we will forever be grateful for your kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

With the sincerest gratitude,

Nicole, Sydney & Ziggy