Unfortunately, we have a very sad case and a plea to our supporters for Diego the 7-year-old Dalmatian who recently came into the care of the Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home.
Diego is a very sweet-natured boy and thrives on human companionship.
He is always up for exploring and going on adventures where he can discover new sights and smells. He is super playful who loves a game of tug of war!
During Diego’s intake examination, our hearts sank as we noticed significant muscle mass loss in his temporal and masticatory muscles.
These are the muscles by his cheeks and temples, which help with jaw movements.
While Diego appeared bright and cheerful, this muscle loss raised concerns and our veterinary surgeon Mo Fry, felt it was important to rule out a potential immune-mediated disease called Masticatory Muscle Myositis.
This condition can go on to cause excruciating jaw pain, making simple joys like eating, chewing, and playing with toys unbearable for affected dogs.
We carried out thorough blood tests, however, unfortunately, the results couldn’t rule out this debilitating disease for Diego.
Our next step is to provide him with a short general anaesthetic for muscle biopsies.
These biopsies will reveal whether inflammation is present and the extent of fibrosis, giving us a better idea of what to expect in the future and producing a tailored treatment plan to ensure Diego’s comfort and well-being.
We are asking for your support to help Diego, your generous donation will fund Diego’s biopsy procedure and subsequent treatment that may be needed, providing him with the medical care he deserves.
Diego is an incredibly sweet and affectionate boy, and getting to know him has been a delight.
He's extremely playful, always ready for a game of tug-of-war or fetch, but above all, he cherishes spending time with his favorite people.
Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in Diego’s journey.
Vet bills, like all our other costs, are rising and Diego is just one of many animals who need our help every day. Anything raised above Diego’s needs will be used to help animals just like him at the Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home.
If you’re looking to adopt a dog or cat in Gloucestershire, consider adopting from The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home where we rehome to areas like Gloucester, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Tetbury, Stroud or further afield like London or Leeds.
Whether you’re searching for a small dog or a cat for adoption, we often have a variety of furry friends including puppies and kittens waiting to find their forever homes.
To report cruelty or an animal in distress call 0300 1234 999
RSPCA Cotswolds, Gloucester & District Branch
