“I have arthritis. The space around my spinal cord has become compressed,”the tough-talkin’ Inaba — a former dancer and founder of The Dizzy Feet Foundation — told PEOPLE.com overnight. “I have been locked. My neck was so stiff. We’re hoping this procedure will relieve that. I’ll be fine, and if this surgery goes well, I may have another one in the future.”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba are partners on a new ad campaign reminding pet owners to have their four-legged friends spayed or neutered.

In the new ad, the former “Flyy Girl” and one of her three cats pose beside a headline which reads “Don’t Miss a Step—Spay or Neuter Today!”

You Can Watch Carrie Ann’s Interview With PETA Here

Stellar celebrity hoffers Carrie Ann Inaba and Jennifer Lopez are joining forces to open a chain of dance schools in more than a dozen cities across America.

The Dancing With The Stars judge and La Lopez both shot to fame in the early 90s as part of the featured dance troupe the Fly Girls, who performed weekly on FOX’s classic sketch comedy show In Living Color.

The old pals are eager to help “underprivileged children” discover the joy of dance.

“Both Jennifer and Carrie Ann feel that giving kids the gift of dance is priceless because it builds self-esteem and nurtures creativity,” an source tells Star Magazine.

The first academy, currently under constructon, will open in Jenn’s hometown of the South Bronx, with another locaton set for Honolulu, where Carrie Ann grew up.

“Jennifer and Carrie Ann will call the studios The Dance Dream Academy and make special guest appearances at each one.”