UPDATE 4/27/23

Last night, we received full results from a culture and PCR test. We found that there was bacteria in his skin, and a different bacteria in his respiratory tract. This is good news because now we know what is the best antibiotic needed to combat both of these specific bacterial organisms.

Today I brought in Juju to his neurology appointment. The doctor decided to hospitalize him overnight with fluids because he had a really high fever, and is running more diagnostic tests with a concern of an overall systemic infection. The MRI and spinal tap could potentially be done tomorrow, but we just need to figure out if it is safe for him to undergo anesthesia with his current state. However, they were able to perform a joint tap to collect fluid from his knees, and we’re awaiting results to see if there’s any bacteria or fungi in that. We are a few steps closer to getting answers, but there is still more to be done to receive an accurate diagnosis.

From everything done at the hospital today alone, the total cost is at least $5400. We are still anticipating the additional >$5000 for the MRI that is likely to be done tomorrow. After all these tests, we can expect more expenses for the proper treatment for what we will find.

Juju is probably feeling lonely and confused about why he’s in a hospital kennel without me. Hopefully everything can be done tomorrow so that I can bring him home. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, you have no idea how much you’re helping me and my family.

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Background Story:

Hi, my name is Izzy and I am a graduating senior at UC Davis with a major in Animal Science and minor in Communication. This is my dog King Julian (Juju). Juju is a 1 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and my first furry friend ever! I adopted Juju from the veterinary hospital that I currently work at. He and his littermates were born through a C-section procedure there. Unfortunately, his biological mother's original owners could not keep them, so that's how Juju became my kiddo!

About a month ago on Monday, March 20th, Juju started being lethargic and did not want to eat. He seemed to be unusually arching his back while sitting. A couple days later on the following Wednesday, he slept all day in the same spot from when I had left for work in the afternoon and until I came home at night. He had barely eaten for a couple days. Although I had two final exams the next morning, I decided to bring him to the vet at night. It was thought that he only had neck pain, which is why he did not want to move around or eat much. He was given pain medication.

Juju did not show signs of improvement until a week later. For a day or two, he became more energetic again. We felt so relieved.

However, in the few days after that, he began to become lethargic and wouldn't eat much again. We also noticed some scabs under his coat on his hind end. On Tuesday, April 4th, we had a 2nd doctor examine him. We decided to transition him to stronger pain medication. This new medication was however a steroid, which was a risk towards other health factors in a younger dog.

For the first few days, it seemed that the new and stronger medication managed his pain. There were some days that he was walking fine, but some days that he was still walking with a hunched back.

During the next week, more scabs appeared on his tail, head, and paws. They became sores and were bleeding. It hurt him to walk even more. We took him back to the vet and was seen by a 3rd doctor, and was given antibiotics and an anti-bacterial shampoo. Bacteria was found, and he developed a skin infection.

The following week, Juju began coughing. At first, we thought he was only feeling congested. We brought him to the vet once again, and did chest x-rays, blood work, and a urinalysis. The chest x-rays showed signs of Bronchitis. His blood work had several abnormalities, including an elevated level of white blood cells, which confirms that he is fighting an infection. He has now been given a different antibiotic. A PCR test and culture swab has been done, and results will arrive in a few days.

Throughout all of these vet visits, tests, and medications, there is still no complete diagnosis of Juju's condition. His condition has worsened from one concern to three, and he has lost 4 pounds. All doctors have recommended that we take him to a Neurologist. A majority of neurology services from Sacramento to the Bay Area are at capacity. Luckily, I have been able to book an appointment for next week at the end of April.

At this appointment, we will receive a consultation from the veterinary neurology specialist. The likely diagnostic tests to be performed are a Spinal Tap and MRI. These two tests alone can be estimated to cost at least $5,000. This does not include the costs of further treatments upon results.

I have already spent about $1,000 so far on his ongoing health issues. Although I have a certain amount of funds in my savings, I am struggling to keep up with the costs of Juju's care. I am currently taking 4 classes and working 2 jobs to manage this situation. In addition, the expenses of veterinary visits require an upfront payment. There are rarely ever payment plans offered. I may be able to cover a good portion of his upcoming visit, if not in full.

I am urging you all to contribute any amount you can to this fundraiser. If you are unable to donate, I would really appreciate if you can share this GoFundMe on your stories and with your friends and family. Juju is so young, and deserves to have a long, healthy life ahead of him. He may have been a lot to handle even when healthy, from barking at late hours to making a mess in my room. But we just want that version of Juju back, with his great energy and strong personality. Thank you all very much for your support!