‘Shylo’ Scheduled for Neurosurgery December 18
BOSTON, Dec. 18, 2025 – Shylo was happily living in her home last month when her world was upended. Her owners had to surrender her to Lowell Humane Society due to landlord issues, something that the MSPCA-Angell Advocacy team is actively working to help with. The roughly four-year-old miniature poodle-mix was shy at first, but blossomed in their care. Unfortunately, there was trouble lurking.
“Shylo began experiencing pain in her neck and back area, so [Lowell Humane] staff took her to a local emergency room,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “Staff there suspected that she might have a spinal condition that would require specialized care.”
“That’s when Lowell [Humane] reached out to us for help.”
Shylo was transferred to the care of the MSPCA-Angell on December 17, and Angell Animal Medical Center staff immediately got to work diagnosing her.
A Guarded Prognosis
Early examinations showed that Shylo was partially paralyzed.
“Shylo was brought to the Emergency Department at Angell, where she was given medication to help her be comfortable while waiting for a consult with neurologists,” Keiley said. “Upon examining her, they determined that the paralysis is likely caused by something compressing the spinal cord in her lower back that might be a herniated disc.”
Angell experts determined that the best course of action would be an MRI and surgical repair, which is scheduled for December 18.
“The MRI showed a lot of inflammation in her spinal cord, and our neurologist will be removing the compromised disc today [December 18].”
“This is a really tough situation,” Keiley elaborated. “Shylo has a guarded prognosis. We don’t know if she’ll be able to walk again after the surgery or if she’ll still have any other related issues, but we have to do everything that we can to try to help because she’s a really special dog that could be an amazing friend for an adopter should the surgery be successful.”
Help Shylo!
According to Keiley, Shylo’s surgery and related care are expected to cost more than $10,000.
“We’re fortunate to have access to the advanced care at Angell that allows us to help other shelters in Massachusetts by taking on these kinds of complex cases,” he said. “But we would not be able to do it without the incredible support we get from the community, and we’re extremely grateful for that.”
“This is just the first stage of a long road for Shylo. If this is successful, she’ll need foster care for several weeks and hopefully a special adopter in the new year.”
Those who would like to donate to help offset the cost of caring for Shylo are asked to give at mspca.org/shylo.
The MSPCA-Angell will share updates on Shylo’s surgery as they become available.
