Tusk rescue dog requires an MRI

PLEASE SEE GALLERY FOR VETS FINDINGS AND COSTING.

In 2017 we noticed a dog running loose with a nylon clothes line tied round his neck. We pulled over and he instantly bounded over with a big staffy smile and hopped into our car.

We took him to the vet to scan for a microchip, which he fortunately had and the vets were able to find and provide us with the owners name who we then located on social media and made contact. He explained that he was away somewhere from where it was not possible to return to collect Tusk, and so he had left with a friend. T had instead been left tied outside, was hungry and had raw weeping sores around his neck. As he was not able to find anywhere else for T to go he asked if we could possibly keep him temporarily whilst he was able to return for him. With no option but to turn him back out on the street otherwise, or surrender him to the pound, we opted to take care of Tusk for a short period until his owner could collect him.

However, apart from a couple of messages in the 1st week that is the last we have heard. I have contacted his friends for his location to no avail.

When we found Tusk he had not been neutered and so Hurrah (Humane Rescue Rehabilitation and Rehoming) sponsored his desex and was actually going to take him on as a rescue case for rehoming. but as we could not contact the owner to arrange transfer of ownership then we could not sign him over and so he has stayed with us for the last 3 years.

https://www.facebook.com/hurrah.org.nz/photos/a.148894645292453/789342887914289

https://www.facebook.com/hurrah.org.nz/photos/a.148894645292453/789388694576375

In the last couple of months he has had health issues. We have had him to the vets where he has had chest x-rays. Blood tests etc. He is on a cocktail of daily medication for the pain he is in and nothing has worked so he was referred to the Animal Referral Centre. They have advised he requires a scan, preferably MRI (see attached). We need to identify the issue as he urgently needs treatment for whatever the condition is as he is rapidly deteriorating. He was full of life previously. First sign of his collar had him hurling himself at the door and spinning in circles. Before shooting at 100mph to the car.

I have 3 adopted dogs of my own along with 3 ex- stray cats, ex-battery hens etc and have saved or borrowed and paid all their vet bills. From one dog having Parvo (despite being fully vaccinated) to another having incurred over $5k in vet bills at VSA for her joints and ongoing quarterly Cortisone injections under anaesthetic. In this last year alone, I have paid almost $4k in vet bills. Included is also approximately $1.5k in vet bills for Tusk so far.

I know there are a lot of other people and animals needing help and if I had the funds I would gladly pay this personally. I have funded all my animals but I had never intended adding a 4th dog for this reason of affordability. From previously being a frequent flyer at the local pound he has never returned under our watch. As he is registered, wormed, flea’d, tucked up in bed (ours) at night, walked and loved.

Despite him being more Troublesome Tusk than Danger Mouse (wherever there is trouble he will be there, or well part of any mischief) ripping up the sofa cushions (typical terrier) had me replacing peoples horse rugs (if he can grab a corner off the fence line then…..) along with multiple other things, once he gives you the staffy smile with all teeth showing and his tail going 10 to the dozen, who could resist -)

If anyone could spare a $1 so that we can get him this MRI we would be so grateful

Thank you for reading.