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Billy the Venturn e.c.spanYELL - some news

Posted : 10/31/2008 10:56:05 AM

I'm just moving this to health (I'll link in the original Spiritual Circle post later but am rushed) because we have blood results. I have NOT talked to Dr. Demers yet (he'll call me a bit later).

But bottom line -- yep, the boy's liver values are high (not off the charts high, but *sweat* yes, HIGH) and his "goblins" (globulins -- but you gotta know Billy-speak has always called em 'goblins';) are pretty high, but again I've actually seen them higher.

So there's infection there -- maybe in the liver (will know better when I talk to Dr. Demers) but this looks do-able. I've still got LOTS of milk thistle at home and they may put him on some Chinese herbs (there's some super good liver stuff I've seen them use). It may simply be that the liver truly will be a weak spot for him.

I'm not seeing anything, however, that accounts for the fact that the blood wants to coagulate SO fast but I'm no pro at reading this stuff. As I've said with blood results before -- you can't just look at what is marked "high" because so MUCH of it is a ratio. I see some weirdness for sure but will letcha know what I find out later. Am at work and can NOT take time to post much (and keep job so I can keep vets happy *sigh*)

Benedict

Posted : 10/31/2008 10:58:20 AM

I'm glad you're getting some answers, Callie. Best wishes for Billy!

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/31/2008 12:46:35 PM

Ok -- little bit more now that I've spoken to Dr. Demers.

He's pretty pleased -- it looks like we have likely averted a crisis IF, in fact, one was brewing. Yes, his liver values are pretty high and there is inflammation, but not enough to warrant saying "infection" His white cells aren't high (i.e., that's why he's saying no superbad infection -- just inflammation)

MILK THISTLE! Oh yess, indeedy (and yep, I've got it at home RAH). and maybe another herb which I can pick up tonight.

Because we don't know what's spiked the liver values (he hasn't gotten into anything I know of that's toxic) we've got to have blood drawn again in a week (well, next Tuesday which is 6 days) but thankfully I've already got him scheduled with Dr. DiNatale ANYWAY (rah!!)

So we'll see how much we can accomplish over the weekend. He's also going to have me tweak his homeopathics with Traumeel tablets I already have at home (there IS such a thing as being prepared when you have a dog with an iffy liver!!). Traumeel's a homeopathic anti-inflammatory so I always have it at home.

He sees nothing specifically that made the blood a gelatenous mess -- altho he indicated that the inflammation ALONE could have done that. When he switched to take the blood from the jugular vein rather than from his paw/wrist the blood fairly lept into the tube -- I wish I had known that the other night -- I likely would have worried less. He's had SO much blood drawn over the past 3 years that it tends to be difficult to GET it from his paws.

So, we have a plan -- and I *know* we can get those liver values down with milk thistle with some help from whatever else he decides on.

Thanks again folks -- your support helps SO much

sl2crmeg

Posted : 10/31/2008 12:50:07 PM

YAY Billy - I hope you have a SUPER weekend and get better ASAP.

calliecritturs
He's had SO much blood drawn over the past 3 years that it tends to be difficult to GET it from his paws.

Pirate too - they don't even bother with his legs anymore!

((((((BILBO))))))

shadowsgin

Posted : 10/31/2008 12:57:46 PM

Good news Callie. Who didnt know you would be prepared Wink We will keep those happy healing thots coming your way!

JackieG

Posted : 10/31/2008 1:45:01 PM

Well, that sounds like good news! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

willowchow

Posted : 10/31/2008 1:46:43 PM

Oh, OK, (breathing again now) this isn't so terrible for him. Especially, caught at this point. You must be so relieved Callie--I bet you feel like the weight of the world is off your shoulders at work today.

Coffee

3girls

Posted : 10/31/2008 2:41:43 PM

We'll continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

I'm glad things are looking better.

Sunshinegirl

Posted : 10/31/2008 3:11:00 PM

I just saw this thread today. I'm happy to hear that things are on the right path with Billy. Sending good vibes your way!!! :)

kpwlee

Posted : 10/31/2008 7:20:11 PM

sending our best wishes!

Cita

Posted : 10/31/2008 9:19:44 PM

Poor Billy! I didn't know you were under the weather - good thing you have a super attentive human mother to keep an eye on you, huh? Rest up kiddo and feel better soon, you have a whole team of people working to get you better, and even more than that sending you good wishes for quick healing!

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/31/2008 10:34:11 PM

It's too funny -- I think I had like TEN bottles of milk thistle tincture left over after the IMHA treatment and the almost 18 months it took us to get him off the drugs (I was using 5-6 bottles a MONTH at that time) and I would get panicky if I didn't have at least 5-6 bottles before I ordered again.

I've given some away, mailed it, handed it *grin* because I was DETERMINED it would not go to waste.

Tonight I almost got panicky. I have a bottle at work (because *I* take it too but I hate taking the liquid -- me a BABY!!) and I almost stuck it in my purse thinking "I'm sure I've got TONS of it at home but ...."

So I didn't bring it home and then started looking when I got here -- ACK!!!

but I found it -- man, I really DID put that away *laughing* -- got THREE full bottles left here.

Soooo the question is ... no, I don't think it's a question. I doubt I will EVER let myself get "out" of milk thistle ... not ever LOL

jennie_c_d

Posted : 10/31/2008 10:43:57 PM

I'm so glad to hear that Billy's Mom has caught it early, again (see, I know that Billy likes to read these posts, so I try to use HIS name instead of HERS). I am learning, much to Emma's distress, to run the bloodwork, anyways, because it saved Billy.

Anyways, feel LOTS better, really soon, Billy, and eat LOTS of treats, and eat up that milk thistle!