Peppa Needs Spinal Surgery

Peppa Ann Pinto is our sweet and loving French Bulldog who will turn 3 human years old on June 2, 2020. 

My husband Steve and I fell in love with Peppa and her fun personality at first site. She is energetic and playful and sometimes mischievous.  Our friends and family also adore her... it’s hard to explain unless you meet her ! She truly is a special pup. 

Unfortunately in July of 2019, at the age of 2, Peppa suddenly developed paralysis in her hind legs.  We rushed her to the vet where we found out that she has a genetic disorder called IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). Her spinal disc had herniated and ruptured, causing bleeding into her spinal cord. Without hesitation we agreed to surgical repair as it was time sensitive and the greatest possible chance at her being able to walk ever again.   Peppa did great and recovered more quickly than the surgeon expected. She required physical therapy inpatient and then outpatient.  We don’t have pet insurance and this cost us at least $9,000.  Now that IVDD is a pre-existing condition, no pet insurance will cover Peppa for treating this disease.
 
We were super careful with Peppa after surgery (no jumping up and down furniture, etc). In December 2019, low and behold it happened again (different disc this time).  We couldn’t bare to see her in the condition she was in, and the vet gave us a little discount on repeat surgery, which she had successfully.  The recovery took longer this time however, and we ending spending $9,000 with all the additional PT sessions she needed.  But Peppa was walking again ! The animal hospital staff would even joke by calling her “the tank” with her crazy determination and strength. 

Now here we are, 5 months later.  Peppa starting exhibiting signs of pain and then weakness, and unsteady gait in her hind legs. The surgeon noticed tenderness on exam at a higher up disc. We started steroid treatment and cage rest. The next day however, she developed paralysis again in her hind legs and is incontinent of urine. We are medicating her for pain. My husband has to gently lift her out of the cage while I quickly change her wee wee pad. She is so stiff and in pain when lifted for that short time.  We feel we are out of options without surgery, as she is suffering and is not even 3 years old yet. Surgical repair is her best bet at quality of life, as she is so young. We can’t do this alone and any assistance to help our baby is so greatly appreciated.  

Our thoughts and prayers go to all affected by the COVID19 crisis and we understand that these are tough times for many. Thank you to all our essential workers and healthcare heroes! 

With love,
Danielle and Steve Pinto