Dickson is a handsome 4 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi living in Iowa, close to Omaha NE. A few months ago he began hobbling, not bearing any weight on a back leg. He was given an NSAID by his vet but after a month of no improvement the vet diagnosed him with a torn cruciate ligament. Additional anti-inflammatories and pain meds were prescribed and his owner was told he could heal with strict crate rest. However his condition did not improved and he was sent to an orthopedic surgeon who confirmed the torn ligament. 



At that same appointment the specialist determined that there was more going on that just the torn ligament. Dickson had gone down completely in the back end, and it appeared he was having disk problems in his lower back (see video included with photos). They recommended his seeing a neurologist, and since there is only one in the region, he was booked more than a month out. Consequently he went to the specialty hospital through emergency, and after the ER doctor examined him they were able to call in the neurologist.

The neurologist wants to begin with conservative medical management, including steroids, an antibiotic and Gabapentin, along with very strict crate rest.  If Dickson begins to improve after a week or so the conservative protocol will be continued. But if there is no improvement or Dickson declines, he will need an MRI and most likely disc surgery. The MRI estimate is $4,000 and the total with surgery is estimated at $8,000. If surgery is not needed on his spine, then he will be a candidate for TPLO surgery on his knee which has been estimated at $4,000, not including post surgery physical therapy. 



We have started this fundraiser to begin the process of raising funds to help this boy. Once we see how he does on the new medication we will post updates to this fundraiser.

Owner: Angel Johnson

Veterinary Hospital: VCA MidWest Veterinary Referral and Emergency Hospital, Omaha, NE