2021 Success Story Thomas

This little cutie is Thomas, a 6-year-old Chihuahua mix.

Thomas' mom just got out of a bad relationship, so now she is a single mom who is trying very hard to get back on her feet. And then poor Thomas just wasn't acting like himself. She noticed Thomas was crying when his neck was touched and he really didn't want to move much. She was very worried about her little man who she says is "a big part of her family."

At the vet, Thomas had a full exam and some X-rays. Worried that she wouldn't be able to cover the cost of a unplanned vet visit, Thomas' mom applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help with her bill. 

Luckily the vet didn't notice anything terrible in the X-rays, so Thomas was treated for a stiff neck; we've all been there! He was also given pain medicine to help him recover. Thomas needs to quit his bleak desk job and do more Pilates or yoga! 

In all seriousness ... Even though Thomas only had a strain in his neck, neck pain can be caused by more serious issues and injuries to the spine. Neck or spinal pain is fairly common in dogs, and is typically not associated with a known traumatic event. Unfortunately, these issues can cause a great amount of stiffness and discomfort, but can be hard for us to recognize. 

According to the MSPCA–Angell, signs that your dog may be in pain or have some neck and back issues can include:

• change in attitude, and out-of-character aggression, such as trying to bite when picked up or petted
• decreased appetite, or stop eating entirely
• diarrhea and vomiting 
• reluctant to participate in normal activities such as jumping on or off furniture, going up and down stairs, playing with housemates, and going for walks
• reluctant to lift their heads or could walk with their head hung low 
• stand with a hunched posture or have a tense abdomen
• tremors or excessive shivering (especially when it is not cold) 
• walk gingerly, like they are walking on eggshells, or with a wobbly or “drunken” gait

If your dog is showing any of these signs, be sure to minimize the amount of physical activity they participate in and take them to the vet as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can allow for relief in pain for your pooch, and often in the prevention of the progression of disease to a more serious or irreversible state.

About Fur Kids Foundation
Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. Read more Success Stories.