Support Vito's Fight for Life

Hey everyone, it’s Mercedes and Vito. We are in the fight for Vito’s life. Just 48 hours ago, Vito was showing symptoms of stage 1 IVDD. He couldn’t lift his head parallel to the ground, and his back was arched/twisted. I knew something was wrong and he was in pain. We immediately went straight to the emergency vet, and they sent us home with pain medications. Not even 12 hours later, my poor baby was 75% paralyzed. He stood up, and collapsed to the ground.

He was unable to stand, and he was unable to eat. He still has yet to eat but he physically can’t. I then rushed him back to the emergency vet, and they sent us to another emergency vet to see a neurologist. It just so happened that there was not a neurologist there that night. The doctor then gave me options and told me that I had two: to put him down or to take him into emergency surgery tomorrow. At this point, it was 2 o’clock in the morning. I was given an estimate on what the surgery would cost, and I instantly said yes, we’re doing surgery. We’re going to find a surgeon by the morning.

This morning rolls around, and we headed straight to Sarasota. I am so thankful I had my sister to be there with me because I could not handle it myself. Vito had gone in to see a neurologist and get MRIs to see what the heck is going on!!

After they concluded with the MRIs, they gave me a call and told me that the disc Vito had ruptured had punctured a blood vessel that was hemorrhaging, causing pressure on his spine and ultimately affecting his nervous system, which is what was making him paralyzed. Moral of the story, this procedure was very invasive. He was then rushed into the OR, and they performed surgery. They predicted that the surgery would take 1 1/2 hours but ended up taking 3 1/2 hours. My heart sunk. I’ve cried. I can’t even express the emotions.

I have tried to educate myself as much as I can about this disease and focus on how I can continue to give Vito the best life possible with what little I have left to give him. Within 48 hours, we are $20,000+ deep. He has been given a 90% chance that he would come out of the surgery on top. As time goes by and things progress, it’s now looking like we are a part of the 10%.

Whether it's giving my baby the best end-of-life care or fighting until his last breath, I will do whatever it takes!!!

I say with pride that I work hard, and I always find a way to make it through tough situations. This situation is different. I’ve given Vito everything I’ve got. The one loyal thing that has been with me through every stage of the last 5 years of my life.

If you are able to make a donation, we will fight and fight and fight and fight for Vito‘s life and use this to make him as comfortable as possible as the bill is increasing by $1000+ every 4 hours. I know times are tough. I’m living it right now, so even a prayer is more than appreciated. I believe in the LIGHT.