About the Campaign
Jelly Bean is a 4-year-old female Chihuahua with atlantoaxial luxation, a serious condition where the top of the neck is unstable near the spinal cord. For Jelly Bean, this is not just painful or awkward. Her doctor is so concerned that she has to be wrapped and protected because even bumping her head the wrong way could cause a catastrophic injury! In the photos you can see her neck-brace.
Her family first noticed something was wrong a few months ago. Jelly Bean could not walk up all the stairs in the house, and she could not manage the small stairs to the couch or bed. She seemed to be walking strangely, and at first the problem was thought to be her knees. But there were no X-rays at that first visit, and the answer did not feel complete.
Michelle and the Robitaille family kept pushing for answers. A second opinion led to X-rays, and then those images were sent to a specialist. Even then, there was disagreement about whether the issue was her hips or something else. Finally, at VCA Mission Valley, advanced imaging was recommended, including MRI and CT scan. That is when the real problem was found: atlantoaxial luxation.
The diagnosis is frightening because without surgery, this condition can eventually lead to paralysis and death. Jelly Bean’s surgery is scheduled for June 29, and the family is trying to get her there safely and quickly.
Her rescue post:
Jelly Bean came into the family as a puppy along with her littermate sister, Beasley. They were rescued from Mexico through DeTommaso Dog Rescue, which brings dogs across to find safe homes. Michelle’s husband has always loved Chihuahuas, and when he saw the post for the sisters, they knew they had to bring them home.
Jelly Bean and Beasley are deeply bonded, and Jelly Bean has been a beloved part of the family since puppyhood. Now that sweet little dog is living under strict limits, wrapped and protected, because her neck is too fragile to trust.
Donations will help cover Jelly Bean’s surgery, hospitalization, medications, and recovery care so she can have the best chance to walk safely, avoid paralysis, and stay with the family and sister who love her. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate below, click to enlarge:
