This is our beloved 6-year-old cocker spaniel, Winston. He’s the heart of our family – a gentle, loving boy who has always been full of life and energy. Sadly, Winston has been through an incredibly tough few weeks, and we are reaching out for support to help cover his ongoing medical costs.

Winston is insured, and his insurance initially covered his spinal surgery and early physiotherapy. Unfortunately, we’ve now maxed out the £6,000 policy limit, and his care is far from over.

Winston’s Story:

• Sunday 3rd August: Winston suddenly struggled to get out of the car. There was no trauma or injury, and vets believe his condition is genetic.

• Monday 4th August: He became disorientated, weak, and stopped eating. Our vet identified early signs of a spinal injury and urgently referred him to a specialist. That evening, his condition worsened, and he was diagnosed with IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), progressing rapidly from stage 3 to stage 4.

• Tuesday 5th August: Winston underwent emergency spinal surgery. The damage was more severe than expected, and he deteriorated to stage 5 (no sensation or movement in his legs, unable to toilet independently, needing a catheter).

• After surgery, he began making small but hopeful progress, regaining some sensation in his back feet and working hard with physio. He showed determination to walk again with sling support.

• Sadly, a serious complication arose from the catheter. He developed a urinary infection, which quickly escalated to sepsis. On Saturday 16th August, he was rushed back into hospital. The catheter had displaced into his prostate, causing fluid to build around his bladder, kidneys, and lungs. He required oxygen, plasma infusions, and intensive monitoring. Thankfully, his vitals are now stabilising, but he remains in vet care.

Why we need help:

Because Winston’s insurance has been exhausted, we are now responsible for all ongoing costs. His emergency care has already left us with a bill of £2,500, and this could rise further if he needs additional treatment or surgery. On top of this, Winston will need a long course of rehabilitation (physiotherapy, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy) to give him the best chance of regaining his mobility and quality of life.

How your donation will help:

• Covering the immediate costs of his hospital treatment for sepsis

• Funding any further urgent care or surgery he may need

• Supporting his long-term rehabilitation to help him walk again

Winston has fought so hard already, and we’re determined to give him every chance at recovery. Any donation, no matter how small, would make a huge difference to helping Winston get back on his feet.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read Winston’s story and for supporting us in giving him the best possible chance at recovery.