On June 18, 2023, Taavi lost feeling in his back legs while I was out of town on vacation. His sitter took him to the ER vet where they thought maybe some cartilage broke off and made him temporarily paralyzed. Within 24 hours, he still hadn't gained feeling in his legs and the vet recommended going to a neurologist to get an MRI and possibly surgery. Luckily my parents were visiting and were able to take Taavi to the neurologist, but he was so scared because I wasn't there and he didn't know the people who were taking him from my parents. He was also in so much pain.

The neurologist told me the MRI showed a herniated disc that ruptured a vessel around the spinal cord, putting a lot of pressure on his spinal cord. The herniation was caused by a disease called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which the neurologist stated is not common in dogs of his size or breed. This disease is more prevalent in dogs with long backs and short legs, such as dachshunds and beagles. The neurologist also stated there would only be a 50% chance of gaining feeling back in his legs with surgery. I opted for surgery because I wanted him to at least have some chance at getting feeling back. He's only 4 years old and I couldn't say good bye to him so soon.

Unfortunately, at his 6 week follow up post-op, the neurologist found no deep pain sensation coming back. He stated if there is no improvement within a month of surgery, there is a very slim chance Taavi will ever regain feeling in his legs, recommending a wheelchair so he can get around and not be stuck in the house for the rest of his life.

The bills that have accrued from the time he lost feeling until now have been 10's of thousands of dollars. I am just asking for some help to buy Taavi a wheelchair so he can go on walks like he used to. He loves to go for walks and is very tired of just laying around all the time. The harness I have that I can help him to walk around is great, but holding his back legs up and trying to keep up with him is difficult. His front legs are so strong and he practically runs.

Any help is appreciated. Taavi will have a much better quality of life if he has some wheels to help him get around. Anything over the price of his wheels will go toward his vet bills.Thank you all!