14-week-old German Shepherd suffering from 'nightmare' sickness

Kirsty Spendlove and her partner Andrew have been pushed to their limits as they try to figure out what is wrong with Meika, their German Shepherd. The couple from North Lincolnshire are worried about their puppy Meika, who has seizures and is blind in one eye due to a head tilt. At barely 14 weeks old, the couple is battling to save their sick puppy, who has been having severe convulsions and requires a critical brain MRI.

Unusual illness

The dog's owners have had endless nightmares over their pet's health, which includes a peculiar head tilt, clumsiness on her feet, and blindness in one eye that may require surgery. Kirsty confirmed:

Meika seems so well as she is playful and so happy but then she can suddenly have a seizure in an instant. We are greatly concerned about her health when she has seizures. When she goes through something like this, she is conscious and does acknowledge our voices.

It is really scary to see your pet go through something like this. Finances are currently low and our insurance will not cover the treatment she needs…It is like an endless nightmare for our girl and she needs help.

In January, the pair took Meika to Abbey Vets in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, for vaccination and a microchip. The vet gave her a microchip, but no vaccinations were given because it may have made her condition worse. She is diagnosed with signs of vestibular disease which is a balance disorder common in older dogs, or it could be a brain problem.

Helping hand

Kirsty and Andrew have set up a Go Fund Me page because they have run out of money to save their beloved dog. The couple set a goal of raising £1,000, but they estimate that they will need at least £3,000 to help Meika get a diagnosis. Kristy said:

We've been to our insurer who says they will not pay for any treatment that Meika needs which is heart-breaking. We are only human and are trying the best we can for Meika and we just want answers.

It is daunting to have to sit and watch our girl go through this knowing we physically cannot help her at this time.

She is also blind in her right eye which may have to be removed and that’s an expensive affair too. She confirmed:

We have maximised our efforts to help her but this hasn’t been enough, and now we are asking you for help.

Despite this, Kirsty and Andrew describe Meika as an adorable, affectionate, and caring dog.