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Rambo Needs Your Help!

Welcome to Rambo’s story.


Rambo is a sweet, loving, 6 month old hound-shepherd mix. We took him in at just 8 weeks old from owners that would not be able to provide for him. We wanted to give this little guy the world.


However, our world came crashing down when he was diagnosed with Immune Mediated (SMRA) Meningitis. 

It all started one day when we woke up to take him for his morning walk and he did not get out of bed. We realized that he was not himself. After convincing him to get up and go for his walk, he ate his breakfast and went right back to bed. On a normal morning, he’d be running around the house, barking and ready to play. This went on for the rest of the day. We scheduled a visit to the vet for later that week. As the days went on, Rambo’s condition worsened. He went from being unmotivated and tired, to not being able to go up or down the stairs. He could barely walk or move at this point. He wouldn’t even bark once (he’s usually full of those). We decided to take him to the emergency animal hospital late one night after he was shaking and crying in pain. 


Rambo’s diagnosis at the emergency clinic was inconclusive, he was given pain meds and sent home. This was the same story the next day at his vet appointment. We decided that this was not good enough and took him to a different vet the next day. After an exam, it was noted that Rambo was depressed with a fever, could not easily move his limbs or neck, and was in a lot of pain. Blood work showed his white blood cell count was much higher than normal. He was then referred to a veterinary neurologist for emergency care. 

The next day at the neurologist, a spinal tap was performed on Rambo to determine the cause of his illness. This was partnered with anesthesia induced blood work, injection of several medications, and subcutaneous IV fluid treatment. A conclusion was reached later that day and our little Rambo was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Meningoencephalitis (GME/MUE, SRMA). This means the immune system is inappropriately attacking his own body.

Rambo will require long-term medical therapy and treatment with immunosuppressive corticosteroids, chemotherapy type agents, and immuno-modulating medications. With proper treatment, he has a 70%  of responding favorably and surviving.

Although we cannot put a price on our precious Rambo’s life, the price of his procedure and long-term treatment is very costly.

The total for his visits and procedures has already reached over $4,000.  

Rambo is currently on 6 medications and will be staying on some for what could be the rest of his life. These medications are $115 monthly. He will also need follow up appointments at the neurologist, which is over an hour away for us and $275 just for the visit. He may need an MRI ($1,700) at a future appointment. He will need to have blood work, chemistry panel, and urinalysis done every 3-4 months to closely monitor his body’s response to the medications (minimum $200 per visit).

As as much as we don’t want to ask for help, the cost of saving Rambo’s life would be too much for us. We are young and on our own. My fiancé is in the military (so he is stubborn) and was reluctant to ask for donations.  But we are at a loss for other options.

We are looking to raise $5,000 to cover his treatment, medications, and appointments in hopes that Rambo can live a long, happy life. He has many more tail wags and licks left to give. 

Any donation helps a ton.

Thank you for reading our story.

We greatly appreciate it. 

With Love,

Bri, Teddy, and Rambo

”Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
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Donations 

  • Reace Mills
    • $5 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Bethany Whittington
Organizer
Martinsburg, WV

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