Woman spends £7,900 on vet bills after dog’s legs suddenly stop working

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

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

The pup was quickly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which was attacking his spinal cord and left him paralysed. 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 depleted the rest of her savings and took a second part-time job to cover the treatments.

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

Dagmar, a realtor based in Boise, Idaho, USA said: “I got Tyrion when I was just a college student so I really feel like I’ve grown up with him over the years. He’s my best friend and companion so of course I would do anything I can to help.

“Once I saw the bill for the initial vet visit, I knew it was going to be an expensive situation so I just decided to go all in.”

One day after his afternoon nap, Tyrion started to walk off-balance, wobbling and falling over. Dagmar rushed him to the vet and within four hours, Tyrion had lost full function in his back legs.

The vet initially thought it was intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) but after an MRI they realised that Tyrion had an autoimmune disease attacking his spine. He was immediately given medication to reduce the inflammation and Dagmar and was told that his back legs would be paralysed forever.

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

Dagmar began researching and found out about spinal walking, which occurs when paralysed dog learns to walk and stand through reflex.

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

Progress didn’t stop there. Tyrion’s condition is continuing to improve and he was recently able to take several steps independently.

Dagmar said: “Seeing him gradually improve over the past seven months has meant the world. It’s taught me not to take things for granted, because even the little victories are big moments in this journey.”