Mavis' IVDD Journey

Help Us Give Mavis the Best Chance at Walking Again

Mavis was born on 9th September 2021, the last of ten healthy puppies delivered by her mum, Cheesecake. The litter was nicknamed “The Babybels” and every pup was named after a cheese—Mavis was called Brie, which is why we often call her Mavis Brie.

From the moment we met her, we were smitten—and it was a two-way street. She chose us, and she’s been at the heart of our family ever since.

She loves being under a blanket, shouting at everyone and everything, rolling in poop, running around the garden, and licking faces. She's such a character—so incredibly loving, with the kind of personality you don't often find. A one-of-a-kind, sassy-pants sausage dog. We simply can't imagine life without her.

What Happened

On Saturday 24th May, we noticed Mavis was in pain. She wouldn’t go up or down steps, was taking herself off to bed, and didn’t want her sausage brother, Gilbert, anywhere near her.

A vet visit the next day confirmed our fears—she had a back issue. She was given painkillers and anti-inflammatories. But things quickly got worse.

By Monday, she was wobbling on her back legs. By Tuesday evening, she couldn’t use them at all. She was dragging her back legs and unable to walk. We rushed her back to the vet, and she was referred for a “routine” MRI with a specialist.

By Wednesday, she had become incontinent. After a distressingly unhelpful call with our vet, we rang Dick White Referrals (where her MRI was due to happen). Based on the update, they said this was now an emergency and wanted to see her the very same day.

The First Surgery

On Thursday 31st May, Mavis had her MRI, which confirmed our fears. She immediately went in for surgery—a right T10–T12 hemilaminectomy with fenestration—to relieve pressure on her spinal cord from a slipped disc.

The surgery went well, and we were told we might be able to bring her home on Saturday.

The Complication

But Saturday brought devastating news.

Mavis had deteriorated. She had now lost deep pain sensation in her pelvic limbs. An emergency MRI showed that the same disc had slipped again—but this time on the opposite side.

She needed a second surgery right away. This one was extremely risky. If her spine became unstable, we were told we might have to make the hardest decision of all.

We were absolutely heartbroken. The next four hours were pure agony.

Surgeons performed a left T11 pediculectomy and were thankfully pleased with the outcome.

Our Little Fighter

And Mavis—our brave little bean—came through again.

She now has some sensation and small movement in her back legs, but she still can’t walk unaided. However, her vet is optimistic—he believes she has an 80–90% chance of walking again. We believe in her, too.

Right now, Mavis is resting in the cosiest little pen we’ve set up for her recovery. We're doing physio with her twice a day, expressing her bladder three times daily, and managing a cocktail of medications. It’s a steep learning curve, but we’re committed to doing everything we can.

She has a consultation with a physiotherapist on 10th June, and her first hydrotherapy session is already booked for three weeks after her last operation.

Having her home—when we genuinely thought we might lose her—is something we can’t even put into words. She’s such a brave little girl, and now it’s our turn to be brave for her.

Why We’re Asking for Help

We are responsible dog owners. All our pets are insured—but we never imagined the costs would be so high.

Her insurance covers £5,000, but the total cost of her two surgeries and care so far is £11,250, which leaves us with £6,250 to cover ourselves. We would do it all over again without hesitation—she’s family. But it is a financial strain.

On top of this, there are the ongoing costs: physio, hydrotherapy, specialist consultations… all vital to give her the best shot at walking again—and to stop this from happening in the future.

Also, following a full review of the MRIs, we were told that Mavis will need a heart scan (echocardiogram) after a small round structure was noticed near the base of her heart. We’re hoping it’s nothing to worry about, but the scan alone will cost around £600, and depending on the outcome, she may need further treatment.

If you are in a position to help—even a small amount—it would mean the world to us. Every donation helps us get Mavis the care she needs and deserves.

A Note from Mavis:

Hi! I'm Mavis. I’ve been a super brave girly and even though I feel a bit poorly, I know I’m getting better every day.

My pawrents love me so much—they’ve made sure I’ve had the best vets and the best cuddles. They keep saying they’ll do everything they can to get me barking at the world again (I’ve got a lot to say!).

But they told me this has all cost a lot more than some treats and toys… so if you can help them out a little, they—and I—would be soooo grateful.

Lots of licks (mumma says she won’t lick you… but I will!),

Love,

Mavis