A mum is hoping to raise funds for a wheelchair for her dog after the pooch was suddenly paralysed while playing with her new toy on Christmas day.
Kaydee Pain, 32, was playing ball with her Labrador-Patterdale cross, Luna, when she went to make a cup of tea and returned to find she was unable to walk.
The single mum rushed Luna to the emergency vet where she was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – a degenerative condition.
It can damage a dog’s nerve impulses which caused Luna’s paralysis in her back legs.
Now Kaydee is desperate to raise £6.5k for spinal surgery, therapy and a wheelchair for Luna.
Kaydee, from Westbury, Wiltshire, said: “I got some new toys for her for Christmas. I was playing ball with her and went to make a cup of tea.
“I came back and realised she couldn’t walk.”
Kaydee said Luna and her brother Teddy, both eight, are “happy dogs” and she saw no signs of Luna’s disease.
IVDD is usually treated with spinal surgery and rehabilitation such as strict rest, and physical therapy such as hydrotherapy. Kaydee is appealing for funds to go towards the cost of Luna’s surgery.
She said: “Her operation will cost £6500.
“If I can’t get that amount, then I want to try and get her some therapy, the medication, the vet bills, and anything else to make her comfortable.
“I want to try to get her a doggy wheelchair if she needs one.
“The end goal is for spinal surgery, but if I don’t get enough, then I can hopefully get her some hydrotherapy to help her build the muscles herself. But that’s a twelve-week process.”
Kaydee said that her son, Jesse, seven, has always had a strong bond with Luna and her brother Teddy, and that they have been an important part of his life since day one.
She said: “I got Luna and her brother a year before my son was born.
“My son has a good relationship with both dogs. He likes sitting up and snuggling with them, going and playing ball with them.
“He is extremely sad this has happened to Luna. He gets upset that he’s in her crate, but that’s what we need to do to try and help her.”
To donate to Kaydee’s fundraiser, click here: https://gofund.me/7c219a9f