Mateo is my 4-yr-old Shih Tzu who has been diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease, which is causing compression on his spinal cord, specifically in the lumbar spine. This is causing loss of feeling and muscular control of his back legs, his tail, his bowels, and his urinary tract. Currently, Mateo is unable to walk with his back legs, cannot pee or poop on his own, and is in extreme pain.

Due to his condition, he has also become depressed and has no desire to eat or drink, and food & water need to be applied manually via syringes.

Veterinary neurologists and orthopedic surgeons examined Mateo and stated that if they perform a hemilaminectomy surgery ASAP, he has a high chance to regain all of his functionality. The longer his nerves are pinched/compressed and he has no feeling in his lower half, the less chance that a surgery will fix the issue and he could become permanently disabled.

The advanced imaging needed to target the surgical areas, the surgery itself, anesthesia, and in-hospital aftercare are not cheap... We have been quoted around $10,000 total for this procedure.

Mateo is only 4 years old and has a long life ahead of him. He has had a happy 4 years so far, loves to run and play, and is well-known to many in his local community in Jacksonville, FL.

We are asking for help to rescue him and give him many more years of quality life. The average well-kept Shih Tzu lives to around 12-14 years in the U.S., with many living closer to 20 years in healthy condition.