Hi All,
Wish could say was joining this "club" for positive reason but unfortunately have been thrust into being a "pet parent" w/very ill dog---an 11yr old "awesome aussie"(blue merle). Started about 3wks ago when "Mack" started seemed to tire more easily(thought due to age); then started to have sudden collapses/seizure-like episodes(very brief) upon rising from laying down especially if had been sleeping. Took to emergency clinic after about half dozen episodes[after 12hr period(during night)]: kept him for observation & routine tests but "no significant findings"---three dreaded words! Brought home at end of day and seemed fine: played in yard[w/"glow ball"(favorite game & toy)], had dinner, in & out several times during evening then"down" for night about 11pm. He got up around 1am to get some water upon which had another collapse/seizure-like event which lasted longer thus longer to recover. Happened few minutes later upon which noticed pale color of gums so took back to emergency clinic: again, "n.s.f." plus acting ok though seemed "off" to me[only possible problem was indicated by a low normal PCV(33%)]...now know was THE sign!
Stayed at clinic for few hours to make sure ok then went home with plan to have follow-up check w/regular vet following week(due to him being out of town). Well, we were back at clinic by mid-morning cause had problem occurr in morning upon him rising from sleeping many hours(a common denominator/fact) with WHITE gums & much pantimg. This time PCV/RBC level was 30% so decision to start looking for bleeding or other cause of anemia: none found after 24hrs of examination & testing so decision to treat as possible I.M.H.A.---the nightmare began! He's been hospitalized ever since with a week at local emergency plus past 10 days @ vet college(Cornell): has had three transfusions, multiple meds(aza., pred., etc) and much supportive therapy(including being in 02 cage/chamber). First transfusion went & worked well but needed 2nd one few days later to which his body reacted(eg fever): this seem to set-off cardiac complication(ie serious arythmia, occaisional deinervation)which began causing respiratory distress. Got bad enough to consider cardiac consult which decided to do as emergency @ Cornell.
He has stabilized and has been determined has no cardiac process(nor other disease) thus all problems determined to be due to complications of I.M.H.A.(eg systemic inflamation, poor oxygenation). Blood tests had indicated anemia was regenerative but now indicating regeneration has slowed thus RBC's not stabilized(20-24%) after third transfusion(five days ago). He was eating well since first started[including many treats(like Frosty Paws)!] but has started to be slow at eating, a big sign of how unwell(cause always wants to be eating): have found will eat a "rich" food, small amounts several times a day. Doing as well as can be expected but real lethargic and very weak, so much so has been leaking urine thus decision to catheterize---to my great concern & sadness. I HATE seeing him go thru all this discomfort and distress(though still licking everyone) especially the constant poking and prodding as has had to endure medical procedures through life, much more than normal---definitely more than any being should have to experience[all because of human errors/faults/mistakes in all aspects of his life{other than related to me(as in "others"
;)}]...primarily due to arrogance, ignorance & piousness(particularly by "professionals"
;)!
He's suffered much pain and unwellness(emotionally, mentally & physicaly) his whole life due hip surgery(done at nine months) that was suppose to "cure" hip dysplasia but caused permanent sciatica(due to a screw impinging on nerve root); the problem took two years to diagnose, partially due to his "hiding" his pain, thus ended-up with many secondary neuromuscular/orthopedic problems which caused numerous general health problems too. Thus I've had to provide much extraordinary care for him his whole life which has been real frustrating and heartbreaking(in many ways) but also educational plus superbonding for us especially recent aquatherapy[at a "doggie spa"{see video on "K9 Swimmerer" website(via Flicker)}]. Needless to say, having a really hard time with what's happening now as is he(real good patient but does have low tolerance for manipulation of his feet so has to be muzzled when are touched): have no idea what caused this disease to occur other than possibly a toxin[eg injected via tick or injested(ie being drug shouldn't have which done w/o my approval via "co-parent"
;). Most upsetting factor is that he was in good condition for most of past year(after knee injury previous Nov) which probably could have maitained for long time cause of swimming ---AAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!
At point which seriously debating what have done so far & doubting if should continue with treatment: any of you know a dog survive acute stage though had cardiac &/or respiratory complications? Tests indicate significant improvement of cardiac distress(almost normal) but still having significant respiratory dysfunction to point of obvious breathing difficulties(plus abnormal sounds heard in lungs). As stated above, really unhappy & upset about what's happening to him especially what he's enduring; what should I do?! If he does survive intial crisis, know it's going to looooong time for recovery(primarily by what have read in forum) which will be real difficult for him(as very much needs routine activity) and hard for me as live alone w/him. On the other hand, can't nor don't want to give up on him too soon particularly since has responded to treatments; financial constraints is also complication(sad to say) for viable long term care due expense of medications especially since large size(70lbs)...WHAT A NIGHTMARE?!
Would appreciate any "words of wisdom" as soon as possible: Cornell has research/study going on this disease for which "Mack" has become a participant/subject thus have extra flexibility in regards to treatments; still very mind-boggling thus unsureness about what's happening. Will look for responses and hope for positive info: thanks ahead of time!
Pray for my "furboy"!
Sincerely, Cathleen L Cox(aka "critter luver 'n cuddler"
;)
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