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- Hi, my name is Leanne. My partner is Laura and above is our 20 week old Golden Retriever pup, Willow. From the day Willow was born she has faced horrendous challenges. We brought Willow home at 12 weeks old. From the first evening we had Willow home she became ill resulting in an emergency trip to the vets. Willow became drowsy, lethargic, sick and loose stools full of blood. After numerous tests, investigations and Antibiotics. We were told Willow had severe infections to the lining of her gut, a horrendous infection called giardia and parasites that had to be treated with a special Antibiotic, because the general ones weren't enough and it took more than 2 doses. Willow wasn't eating or drinking and needed observing by the vets. For Willows age and breed she should have been between 6 and 10 kilo, and she was 4.7kilo and that was after she had gained weight. It was heartbreaking to see her decline so rapidly. Thankfully the antibiotics kicked it and it started to subside. It then came to our attention that a litter of golden retrievers had been seized from a filthy and dangerous garden, in the area we bought our pup from. Images of them shared online by the police, kept under a tarpaulin sheet as a bed, left out in all elements. We immediately contacted the the RSPCA to make them aware we think we may have been a victim of this farm and have a puppy from this litter. Once speaking with the RSPCA and exchanging details, it was confirmed. We were heartbroken for our girl, and the conditions she had encountered. Just as Willow started to improve and the vet gave her what seemed a clear bill of health, we began to notice some signs of her Mobility declining. Within 12hrs of us having her at the vets, we ended up at a neurological specialist at an animal hospital 60 miles away as an emergency case. She could barely walk. Her legs couldn't even hold her to walk without giving way on her and she was losing weight rapid. Today We have spent the whole day there. She was put under anesthetic as they carried out an MRI, xrays, blood tests and a cerebro spinal fluid tap (csf). They have some results from the MRI that show inflammation around the spine but are awaiting the results from the csf tap. The signs and symptoms are pointing them towards a number of scenarios. Infection in the spine, auto immune disease or Cancer. We have already maxed out our credit cards on her previous illness as it was too early in the insurance to be able to put in a claim. We have put in an insurance claim this time around, but we are only insured upto £2,500. Today's investigation already comes to £4000. This doesn't include treatment and further investigations. The animal hospital have also decided its for Willows best interest to stay on hospital until this mystery illness is resolved which again will increase the price each day and night she is there. We were very reluctant to set up this page as we felt Willow is our responsibility. It's only through the support and encouragement of friends and family to set up this page that we decided to do so. We know many people will judge, but we also know more people will understand. All that matters to us, is getting Willow the treatment she needs. She is our baby, our whole world. We will be forever in debt to you showing us your kindness. We understand times are hard for many at the moment, and if you can't help us financially, please send us your prayers.
Organizer
Leanne Mansfield
Organizer