Wally the Fraffy’s Spinal Treatment

Wally’s Story

Wally (and, when he’s not listening, Walter) is our four-year-old French Bulldog–Staffy cross. Wally first came bowling into our lives in October 2021, when we fostered him for a local rescue. He’s a “lockdown dog,” and when the restrictions ended and his owner went back to work, Wally developed separation anxiety and was surrendered to the rescue.

Wally was our third foster dog, but we fell in love with him quickly. He was rehomed so fast—within two weeks, he was gone. We both cried when he left, and it left a hole in our hearts.

Four months later, we got a text from the rescue saying Wally’s new home hadn’t worked out and asking if we could foster him again. Of course, we jumped at the chance. We decided pretty soon that he was going to be staying with us—and just like that, we officially became failed foster parents.

Wally has kept us on our toes with his larger-than-life personality and rebellious behaviour, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We did a DNA test when we first adopted Wally, which showed he had one copy of the FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12, meaning he was at risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). So we always knew there was a chance something might happen.

In December 2024, we woke up early in the morning to find Wally completely paralysed in his back end. He had an MRI and, following that, spinal surgery—it turned out he had a ruptured disc causing damage from T13 to L2. Wally recovered well and was back on his paws in just over a month, with lots of TLC, medication, home physio, and hydrotherapy.

This week, the same thing happened—Wally can no longer walk. He’s potentially slipped another disc, or maybe the same one (the vet couldn’t even tell which disc or discs had ruptured because his spine is in such a mess). Our only option now is another MRI and, depending on what they find, more surgery.

Our insurance renews in two weeks with a cap of £6.5K but we need to find money for the fixed and variable excess again (we need between £1.3k and £1.8k if he only stays one night in hospital). The vet kindly gave us a discounted MRI scan quote—so instead of £4k it is £2.3k which we’re really grateful for.

I never wanted to ask for help because of the guilt that comes with it, but so many friends and family have offered that I’ve caved. Wally is our baby, and we’ll keep doing whatever we can to keep him pain-free and happy. Whatever happens, we’ll always find a way to give him what he needs. We know most people are struggling with the cost of living right now, and no one should ever feel obliged.

Much love,

Wally’s humble houseguests