A Gloucestershire family is facing a heartbreaking challenge after their beloved dog, Winnie, was diagnosed with a serious neurological condition following a sudden collapse.
Winnie, a 9-and-a-half-year-old Perro de Presa Canario, is well known to her owners, Lauren Burgess and Kiran Chawda, as a gentle giant. Despite weighing over 50 kilograms and often being mistaken for a male dog or even a small pony, Winnie has always acted like a lap dog, much to the delight of her family.
Two weeks ago, Winnie unexpectedly lost the use of her hind legs and collapsed. Initially, Lauren and Kiran believed she may have suffered a spinal injury, and they promptly sought veterinary attention. However, an emergency referral to neurological specialists revealed a more serious problem affecting Winnie’s brain.
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Lauren explained, “Her back legs and back collapsed, and it progressively worsened over the days. She was leaning to one side. The vets initially advised rest, but as she declined, we sought specialist care. They determined it was not a spinal issue, but a neurological condition.”
At present, specialists are unable to definitively diagnose whether Winnie is suffering from inflammatory meningitis of the brain or terminal brain cancer without performing a brain biopsy. Winnie remains at home undergoing intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and high-dose steroids.
If diagnosed with inflammatory meningitis, Winnie’s prognosis indicates approximately a 30% chance of survival. Although euthanasia was presented as an option, Lauren and Kiran remain hopeful, inspired by Winnie’s resilient spirit.
Lauren shared, “She’s a stubborn dog fighting hard, which gives us strength. We had never heard of meningitis affecting animals until now. Thankfully, her neurological symptoms have improved and her personality is coming back. On August 28th, she managed a 20-minute walk - a milestone since her illness began.”
The couple are prepared to reassess their options if Winnie’s condition worsens significantly, or if she experiences severe pain, always prioritising her welfare.
Alongside the emotional toll, the financial burden is mounting. Veterinary bills have already reached between £8,000 and £9,000, with only about £4,000 covered by insurance. Continued treatment is estimated to cost £1,000 to £2,000 monthly, potentially exceeding £20,000 over the next six months.
To support Winnie’s ongoing care, Lauren and Kiran have established a GoFundMe campaign, an action they had never considered before but feel compelled to pursue to give Winnie every chance.
“We are incredibly grateful for any donation, no matter how small,” Lauren said. “If you cannot donate, simply sharing the fundraiser, sending kind messages, or a prayer for Winnie means the world to us.”