Maddox is a 3-year-old Tiny American Pit Bull Terrier in Des Moines, IA, who needs $281 for testing and diagnostics.

I got Maddox when he was 10 weeks old. He arrived unconscious and barely breathing and shaking and weighing only 4lbs at 10 weeks old when he should have been closer to 12-14lbs like his brother (see video). My experience as a vet tech proved to be invaluable that day. I gave him subcutaneous fluids and a tiny bit if sugar and warmed him up. An hour later he was holding his head up and eating.

We noticed when Maddox was still pretty young that he was different from the other dogs. We now believe Maddox is autistic. He is not a social dog and his anxiety is severe. He finds comfort in his dog friends but tends to shy away from people. Maddox has had a lot of health issues and 3 surgeries.

I lost my job last February and am in the process of starting my own business and money is tight right now. Maddox is not an adoptable dog and I could never rehome him but he desperately needs help. Ankeny Animal & Avian Clinic is his vet. Please help me save my baby boy.

A few months ago Maddox started having trouble laying down, in his knees. X rays confirmed no issues. I took him to the vet last week and they suspect he has Degenerative Myelopathy. He needs to have several tests to rule things out before it can be confirmed. We are all praying there is another cause since Degenerative Myelopathy has no cure and will drastically shorten his life.

Maddox will not step foot on a hardwood floor or other hard surface. We have placed rugs throughout the house. He has never played with a toy or even wagged his tail. He snuggles with the other dogs and me, but has no interest in anyone else. He is very withdrawn and sullen. He also has some OCD behaviors. Maddox might be different but he is very much loved and a part of the family.