A pet owner has told how her five-month-old puppy was forced to undergo brain surgery after being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.
Kacey Spike was shocked when her usually loving dachshund Murphy began “screaming” whenever she picked him up.
The 22-year-old from Bristol rushed to the emergency vet but was told it was likely a sprained neck.
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The following day, Murphy’s condition escalated as the pup was once again screaming – and unable to move, eat or drink.
An MRI scan revealed the worst; the dog had an abnormal fluid build-up on his brain and needed surgery – to the tune of £16,000.
Taking to TikTok, Kacey uploaded the horror story to warn other pet owners of the symptoms – and to share the dog’s recovery.
The video has over four million views so far.
“The specialists told me that either Murphy would need to be put to sleep or that he would need to have brain surgery,” Kacey told What’s The Jam.
“He was walking really slowly, hunched over and would scream whenever I picked him up.
“I tried to give him some breakfast but he didn’t want to eat or drink anything.
“That’s when I knew something else was seriously wrong with him.
“We were absolutely heartbroken, I just cried that whole day [after he was diagnosed].”
The condition, known as acquired hydrocephalus can present itself in both animals and humans, and is a result of fluid in the brain being blocked or altered.
Kacey and her partner Sam Mcmullan, aged 26, dreaded the idea of losing the beloved dog – and so decided to go ahead with the complex and high-risk procedure, despite the high price tag.
Murphy underwent six-hour surgery on 18 June – just six days after he first fell ill.
He had a shunt implanted into his brain, which is now helping to keep him alive.
Despite having a long journey ahead of him, the dog is now doing well and is eating and drinking normally again.
The TikTok shows the pup with a “bald” head from where vets shaved his hair off, with a scar across his skull.
Kacey said: “He went in for surgery at 10am and we didn’t get a call until 5pm, so we were on edge all day.
“It was very successful and there were no complications!
“Murphy had to have most of his fur shaved off and has quite a few incisions.
“He has a very long recovery journey ahead of him; if definitely won’t be easy and complications could happen at any time but we can’t wait to have him home again.
“He’s eating and drinking again, and even though it’s only been days since the surgery he’s doing absolutely amazing.
“Murphy’s had so much support as well, people want to send him little gifts and care packs for his recovery which is just amazing.”
Luckily, the couple had insurance, which will pay for the surgery and some health checks, which Kacey estimates will total around £16,000.
However, they have also set up a GoFundMe to start a savings account for the pooch – which currently has £10,000 in donations.
Kacey said the couple started it as it is likely their dog will need more surgery and MRI scans in the future, and they are “going over their insurance limit”.
She added: “We couldn’t put our baby boy to sleep knowing he had a chance of making it.
“All being well he should be home with us in the next couple of days and I can’t wait!”
TikTokers have come out in droves to show their support.
One user wrote: “I’m so happy he survived… I just seen came across his story.”
Another said: “I saw your post on the UK dachshund group and I’ve not stopped thinking about Murphy. Praying, wishing and hoping for a good recovery sending so much love to you guys.”
“His little bald head,” wrote a third user.
Someone else added: “Recovering with his teddy. I haven’t stopped thinking about him, so happy to see him eating.”
