(Thank you message at end, please don’t miss it) (edited information below)

I’ve always hoped I would never have to run into a situation I couldn’t handle on my own. Unfortunately, that situation is here and I am hoping I can vulnerably turn to friends and family to help.

Last night I came home from work to Hendrix unable to get himself up without falling over or wobbling. When he was able to stand for short moments, he would tremble in pain before his back legs would give out. To see him like that, trying so hard to stand but failing, and in so much pain, was very emotional.

I rushed him to Blue Pearl and they assessed him. They believe he is at the beginning stages of IVDD, which can cause severe pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. While IVDD is the most common cause of spinal injury in dogs, there are other diseases that can look similar, like spinal tumors, meningitis, or infections. Unfortunately, the steroids, sedatives, and crate confinement (to limit almost all activity) will only do so much. He had another, very scary episode this morning (7/3) and that has led me here.

EDIT: Hendrix is being treated as an “unusual” case with the videos not presenting signs that are specific to any one disease. I will continue to update on my instagram story as we find answers and next steps.

He is in need of an MRI to fully determine if this is IVDD, and if surgery will be needed, or if it could be one of the other conditions above.

I am hoping to rule out surgery and get all of the answers I can for my sweet, loving, and hilarious Hendrix. If you know me, you know the extreme, almost obsessive love I have for him. I want to sincerely thank anyone who is willing to donate even a dollar! I unfortunately cannot afford the MRI (and God forbid surgery) on my own during this time.