<body><div>A dog that developed a brain injury from eating contaminated food has made a miraculous recovery - as he now has thousands of social media followers, his own book and a 'wobbly walk'.Billy the whippet was just two when he ingested something which contained Neospora caninum parasites, impacting his ability to walk.The deadly microscopic parasites attack an animal’s brain and spinal cord - slowly shutting down their body.But seven years later the brave Billy has made a miraculous recovery with the help of his beloved owner Chris Cooper, 40.Chris, an animator and illustrator from Rochdale, said: "We didn't know what it was at first.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3tcBIo_0wCQjkMQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3tcBIo_0wCQjkMQ00" width="2048" height="1508" ><figcaption>Billy at the beach. (Chris Cooper via SWNS)</figcaption></figure>''It was only a chance encounter with a third vet who suggested he have an MRI scan."He was so poorly and descending rapidly - they took spine fluid from him and then they told us what had really happened."The uncertainty was the worse part - a relief to get a diagnosis."Billy was put on medication for two weeks - and the vets informed Chris his dog was either going to improve or get worse.He explained: "There was a fifty per cent chance he would respond to antibiotics - as the disease was only recently acknowledged."Billy could not walk at this point - but Chris was determined to give his pup the best chance of survival.He decided to embark on strength building, incorporating more whole foods into his diet and giving Billy little challenges each day.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3PNlVT_0wCQjkMQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PNlVT_0wCQjkMQ00" width="1448" height="1000" ><figcaption>Billy has thousands of social media followers, his own book and a "wobbly walk." (Chris Cooper via SWNS)</figcaption></figure>Chris explained: "Routine was the best thing we could do for him: I had a neighbor who worked with stroke victims, and they recommended keeping a healthy routine."It was a delicate journey to get him off mediation and repair his damaged nervous system."But we're from up North - so there is that can do attitude."Billy is a brave dog - he conquered something that has left him vulnerable, which is a lot of people's idea of a hero."Whilst Billy was in recovery, Chris set up a social media account for him (now at over 50k followers) - and had designed an illustrated book.The messages of support and adoration for the 'strong-minded pup' inspired Chris to write and animate the books: 'Billy Whippet' and the sequel 'Billy's Art Studio' - which Chris describes as "heart-waring stories of support and courage".The two still enjoy their walks - Billy 'a happy, sensitive and graceful hound."</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Dog makes remarkable recovery after brain injury from contaminated food

A dog that developed a brain injury from eating contaminated food has made a miraculous recovery - as he now has thousands of social media followers, his own book and a 'wobbly walk'. Billy the whippet was just two when he ingested something which contained Neospora caninum parasites, impacting his...