Help Messi get the CT scan she needs.

Help Messi: A Fundraising Campaign for Our Beloved Staffy

Meet Messi, our 8-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who has been a cherished member of our family for years. Unfortunately, her journey has been fraught with health challenges, particularly involving her knees and spine.

A Long Road of Health Issues

In late 2021, Messi was diagnosed with luxating patella in both knees, with her right knee being the most severely affected at a grade 3. After much consideration, we opted for surgery in January 2022. While the initial recovery went well, she developed minor arthritis in her right knee, which we managed with Metacam (an NSAID) and Cartrophen. However, after two years on Metacam, Messi developed pancreatitis, leading us to explore alternative medications. Unfortunately, every NSAID we tried resulted in pancreatitis.

In late summer-2024, we faced a heartbreaking few weeks when we nearly had to make the decision euthanise her. However we discovered that Messi was suffering from three spinal conditions on top of her knee conditions. This is thought to be due to her gait from her knee. After receiving steroid epidurals, her spinal pain was finally under control.

Current Struggles

Recently, however, Messi's knee has flared up again, causing her significant pain. She is currently on a regimen of Gabapentin, Pardale, Tramadol, and weekly Ketamine injections to manage her discomfort. Despite our efforts, including X-rays (which only showed minor arthritic changes and swelling) and a steroid injection into her knee, it did not provide the relief we had hoped for.

With her insurance now maxed out, I have taken on extra hours at work to cover the costs of her ongoing treatment. The latest recommendation from our vets is to conduct a CT scan to gain a clearer understanding of her condition, with a quote of £1,900. In an effort to manage costs, we have found an alternative clinic that estimates the scan will be around £1,019.

How You Can Help

We are reaching out to our friends, family, and community to help us raise the funds needed for Messi's CT scan. Our goal is to find answers that will allow us to provide her with the best possible care and ensure she can live the rest of her life, with minimal pain.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in Messi's life. Your support means the world to us and to our beloved girl. Together, we can help Messi find relief and continue to be the joyful companion she has always been.

Thank you for considering helping us in this difficult time. Please share this campaign with others who may be willing to support Messi on her journey to recovery.