Woman whose dog’s legs suddenly stopped working spent $7K on vet bills | England | News

One woman took a second job and spent all her savings to help her dog walk again.

Dagmar Gudmundsson, 27, got Maltese-mini poodle mix Tyrion seven years ago when he was just eight weeks old. Tyrion was a healthy dog ​​until his legs suddenly stopped working eight months ago.

The pup was quickly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that attacked his spinal cord and paralyzed him. Determined to help Tyrion, Dagmar did some research and discovered that physical therapy and acupuncture could help.

After spending £7.9k ($10k) on vet bills, Dagmar exhausted the rest of her savings and took a second part-time job to pay for the treatments.

Dagmar now spent an additional £7.9k ($10k) but it was all worth it when Tyrion was able to take five or six steps independently.

Dagmar, a real estate agent from Boise, Idaho, USA, said: “I got Tyrion when I was still a college student, so I really feel like I’ve grown with him over the years. He’s my best friend and companion, so of course I’m here to help.” I will do my best.

“When I saw the bill for the first vet visit, I knew it was going to be an expensive situation, so I decided to go all out.”

One afternoon, after an afternoon nap, Tyrion lost his balance and began walking, stumbling, and falling. Dagmar immediately took him to the vet, and within four hours Tyrion’s hind legs had completely ceased to function.

The vet initially thought it was intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), but after an MRI realized it was an autoimmune disease attacking Tyrion’s spine. She was immediately given medication to reduce the inflammation and Dagmar was told that her back legs would be paralyzed forever.

She said: “I was devastated when the vets first told me the news. I’m not ready to live a life without Tyrion and I was really scared that might be a possibility.”

Dagmar began researching and learned about spinal walking, which occurs when a paralyzed dog learns to walk and stand by reflex.

Dagmar said: “I started Tyrion with regular sessions and then we started hydrotherapy, where he practices walking underwater. All this helps strengthen his back legs and trigger the nerves to respond to external stimuli. And it works!”

Progress didn’t stop there. Tyrion’s condition continues to improve and he has recently been able to take a few steps independently.

Dagmar said: “Seeing him slowly improve over the past seven months has meant the world. It’s taught me to never take anything for granted, because even the small victories are big moments in this journey.”