Where do I begin??? Well, I guess we’ll start from the beginning. In January 2021, Iwas in the process of leaving my career in Corrections for my mental and physical well-being. That’s when CuDi (Cuh-DEE) was introduced into our lives. After I left work in the prison, I spent the next 4 months with our new puppy. We worked on potty training and the basic obedience training. YouTube Tech helped me train and teach CuDi to be an amazing pup. Working with him day in and day out, helped me out of a dark depression that I didn’t realize I was in. CuDi helped to give me a sense of purpose and from those early days with him, I knew I would always protect and helped him in any way I could! Over the next four years, we showered him with loves, with treats, and with toys! MANY, MANY TOYS! CuDi was always the center of attention when he came into the room.
Fast forward to March 2025, CuDi experienced some pain and would whimper anytime we touched or picked him up near his chest. We tried to crate rest him, but sadly, he was in significant pain. We ended up taking him to the Vet to have a checkup. The Vet checked him out and informed us that CuDi was experiencing “inflammation” near his lower ribs and would be fine after 2 weeks of crate rest and medication. Being that we are Dachshund owners, we knew of the potential risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), so we inquired over and over again, “Could this be IVDD-related?” The Vet assured us, it was not IVDD and after 2 weeks of rest and meds, if he did not improve, to bring him back. After 2 weeks of rest, he drastically improved and was back to his normal self. Due to him bouncing back and with no apparent limitations, we did not think much about it. However, we did purchase an insurance plan due to this scare.
At the end of May, I brought him to work to enjoy the end of the year festivities and to say goodbye to students who have also grown to love CuDi.CuDi came to school, met and played with all the students and after a couple hours, returned home exhausted. CuDi went straight to his crate and began to rest. We did not think about it much as we figured he was tired from playing at school. As the next 24 hours progressed, he began walking lamely, remained isolated, and that’s when we noticed… CuDi had lost function of his hind legs! We immediately rushed him to our Vet for an emergency examination. After less than 10 minutes with the vet, she came out and began talking in circles. We kept asking if his paralysis was due to IVDD. She would not confirm, however, said she would be “referring” us to a Neurologist for further examination. As usual, she recommended 2 weeks of crate rest, prescribed 3 medications, and sent us on our way.
Our “referral” was a packet with offices and numbers for Neurologist to contact. Several of the numbers were to offices that no longer had a Neurologist on staff and one prestigious hospital said they would only take referrals directly from the Vet.
We called around and sought information to help us get a better understanding of what we were dealing with. We were never once told that CuDi’s Vet diagnosed with IVDD, despite our constant questioning again. As we were trying to find a facility, we learned that our insurance claim was temporarily paused as our vet had never sent over CuDi’s medical records. When we called to make the proper arrangements, we learned that CuDi on his medical records, his Vet diagnosed CuDi with a slipped disc, something the vet never informed us about in person. We were furious that this information was never shared with us. At our request, the insurance company supplied us with the same records. Due to the Vet not sharing CuDi had slipped disc, we looked into his records to see what other information was withheld/not shared with us. Sure enough, we found out that in March 2025, when CuDi was seen for his ribs, the Vet noted; “Suspected IVDD”. Our hearts immediately sunk and we began to worry that CuDi’s insurance costs would no longer be covered. We went through a whirlwind of emotions, but did our best to remain positive and hopeful. Sadly, the next day we found out that our insurance claim was denied due to a “pre-existing” injury. We immediately contacted our insurance and tried to explain that we were never informed of the March assessment. Insurance was understanding and explained that IVDD CANNOT be diagnosed without an MRI and/or X-ray, both of which CuDi was never put through, and that we can request an amendment to CuDi’s records.
We then placed many calls, left several messages, and even went in person in our attempts to speak with the Vet. We were told, “She’s off today”, “She already has your message”, and “She’s in surgery all day”. After almost a week, we finally heard back and were treated poorly. We were told it’s against the law to change medical records and we were treated like criminals trying to commit fraud. We tried explaining to the Vet that we were never informed of her assessment back in March, but she was adamant that she informed us and stated she would not be changing any records as they were accurate. We informed her that IVDD cannot be diagnosed without and MRI or X-Ray and she stated, “I can assume”.
We have now completed one week of crate rest and meds, but he still has no ability to walk. He still perks up when he hears the magic words; treats/food, walk, and outside. He has been seen by a Neurologist, and they have confirmed that IVDD CANNOT be diagnosed without an MRI/X-ray. They recommended an MRI and quoted us $6,000.
100% would need to be paid upfront before anything could begin. They then recommended that we follow up with surgery in hopes that CuDi regains control of his hind legs. With an MRI and Surgery, the quote ballooned up to $12,000 – $17,000.
Again, 100% of the cost would need to be paid upfront and in full. Heartbroken, we explained that that was a lot of money, and we couldn’t even think of where we would come up with that kind of money.
So here we are, I know that was a lot to read, and I appreciate everyone and anyone that took the time to read all this. We are asking for donations to help us in this tough time and understand if people are unable to aid financially, if you are unable to donate, all that we ask is if you can share this page and keep CuDi in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you,
The Gomez Family
