Hi my name is Zuzu. I am a three year old french bulldog and I live in Riverside, CA. 

Before my third birthday I was diagnosed with IVDD. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. My mom noticed I was in pain one night and when she took me potty I could no longer use my back legs. My mom knew she needed to rush me into surgery in hopes of reversing my paralysis. We made it in time and my surgery was a success! I have been on crate rest for 8 weeks and having acupuncture and laser therapy on a bi-weekly basis. I was finally allowed to start coming out of my crate when I suddenly became sick again last week. My temperature sky rocketed, I was in pain and could not stop throwing up. Due to my most recent condition of IVDD my mom and doctors thought I was relapsing and perhaps re-herniated another disk in my spine, however, this is not the case. I have been in the hospital for a week now and the doctors have run every test imaginable from a neurologic approach. I now have an internist who after yesterday discovered I have an immune disease. My doctor suspects Lupus but we have some tests pending to confirm the diagnosis. The doctors had to put a feeding tube in my neck since I have not eaten in a week. I'm still feeling yucky but praying to god I recover. 

Hi my name is Heather, I am Zuzu's mom. Those of you who know me know the unconditional love I have for my dogs. These girls have gotten me through the darkest times and have been there through the good and the bad. I would do anything in the world for them as I could never repay them for the unconditional love they have shown me. When Zuzu developed IVDD I was worried but knew she was in good hands with her doctors. From a financial perspective we were very fortunate to have pet insurance which covered 90% of our bills. Unfortunately, our insurance has a maximum annual limit which we met with the IVDD surgery. Never in our wildest dreams did we think that two months after going through that we would need to use our insurance again. Zuzu's not out of the woods yet. She's still being hospitalized and we are still waiting for the final diagnosis. The doctors did diagnose an immune disease BUT which one is not yet clear. They suspect Lupus but we are waiting for the test results.

I put together this page because I don't know where this mystery condition will end or how many more tests we are going to need to run. Yesterday was the first time I had been asked the question whether we would put Zuzu down or continue searching for an answer. I elected to continue treatment. Zuzu is truly my best friend and I want to do everything I possible can to help her through this. She's so young and has so much more life to live.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and if you are able to donate we would so much appreciate it. If not, we ask for your prayers. We are staying positive and I will be updating everyone along the way.