Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Sunday, November 7, 2010

A Few Updates
















Over the last month or so, Indy has had three bouts of vomiting and diahhrea. The first two incidents resolved quickly. The third created one very sick little pup last week, so it was back to the vet's office. Bloodwork indicated liver problems (jaundice) and dehydration. An X-ray was ordered.

This information allowed the vet to diagnose him with liver cirrhosis. You can see on his X-Ray that his liver is shrunken and shows evidence of scar tissue. The vet speculates the damage is a result of his years of inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups. He's now on antibiotics and something to calm his tummy. The doc also gave him fluids to help him feel better.

Unfortunately, there's no way to fix a liver. We're continuing him on the meds and adding a special homemade diet for dogs with liver problems. I did some internet research and found that vitamin E and the supplement, Denosyl (SAM-E), are helpful for dogs with liver issues, so now in addition to the special diet, he's getting them, too. The research also told me something that I didn't realize before. Liver disease is one of the major culprits in the death of senior dogs.

Since his diagnosis, Indy has had good days and bad days, which I suppose is not too different from any of us. The vet can't give us any type of time frame on how long he will be able to maintain what liver function remains. It could be months...we simply don't know. He has done pretty well most of the weekend, is eating, and is "almost" his old self.

Our main goal, of course, is to keep him comfortable, and when that's no longer possible, we'll say good-bye. It's a simple wait and see situation.

In addition to all of that, yesterday we moved my aunt, who has dementia, into an assisted living facility. Not a fun-filled day either, but it's where she needs to be...though SHE certainly doesn't think so. She made certain that we were aware of her feelings about the entire situation and gave us her opinion about our part in it, in no uncertain terms.

With all that being said, I am still hoping to finish NaNo this month. It makes a good diversion, though I'm not nearly as far along as I might have hoped. I have 8,000 words as of today, and 6,000 of them were knocked out on November 1 (I took the day off work), just before Indy's diagnosis. Soooo, as you can see, I've slowed down considerably.

I'll try and post an update in a week or so on how my Indy-boy is doing, and whether I can get back into the NaNo groove.

Miss all of you, and hope you're doing well!

27 comments:

A MilShelb Mom said...

We're thinking of you!
~Maggie, Milly, and Shelby

BECKY said...

Oh Pat, I know what you're going through with sweet Indy. You're a wonderful "mom"! You're in my thoughts and heart! And I have no doubt that you'll get right back into NANO!!

Anonymous said...

Crossin paws for Indy. And wishin his Mom some better happier days :)

Waggin at ya,
Roo

Linda O'Connell said...

Wow Pat,
you have had a double whammy weekend. Prayers for your dog and good thoughts heading your way.

George The Lad said...

Sorry to hear the news of Indy, we are thinking of you and sending positive Vides from across the pond
George and Jan xxx

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

I am glad Indy is feeling better, but sad that his liver his so affected :(

I can TOTALLY relater to family members in long time care. Keep in mind, no matter what else, they ARE safe and comfortable.

Good luck on NaNo! I admire your tenacity and ability to write with other things on your mind!

The Daily Pip said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Indy! It sounds like you are taking wonderful care of him. I am sending lots of good thoughts and healing vibes. Please keep us posted.

Your pal, Pip

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Pat,
So sorry to hear about your troubles.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna

The Word Place said...

Definitely not a good scene on either canine or human front! That said, you've got to know you're doing all the right things. Be sure to take care of yourself, too, Pat!
Ear scratches and pats for Indy!

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Oh MY!!! I will cross my paws and send some of my healing VIBES to Indy.. VIBES Coming >>>>>>>>>>.
Keep us posted and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

Pat, so sorry about Indy's health news! And your aunt! What a rough week!

Ryker said...

Pat, I'm so sorry.
This is the hardest part of having pets. But we do share oh so much joy over a life time. I hope Indy remains comfortable for as long as he can.
I know that you are doing the best for both Indy and your Aunt. Now you also need to take care of yourself!
You and Indy and Bogie will be in our thoughts.
~Sandy and Ryker

Oskar said...

We will be sending pawerful prayers for Indy & all of you.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Thanks fur the pupdate on Indy -

It sounds like woo have a good plan in place -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

the booker man said...

miss pat,
i'm sorry that indy's liver has the sickies and that you've had a rough weekend. me and asa and mama are puttin' our paws together for you right now. we know that you are givin' the bestest care and lovins to indy. he is a lucky ducky to have you as his mama.

*woof*
the booker man

Cattis said...

Sorry to hear Indy. You will be kept in my thoughts.

Lynn said...

The poor little stinker. I do hope everything goes as well as can for Indy. He's such a cutie. It does seem NaNoWriMo is a good diversion. Good luck with everything.

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

Many paws crossed and prayers for Indy here!

Woofs and Kisses!
The Fiesty Three

Kristine said...

I'm so sorry. That's rough news.

I'll be thinking of you. Take care.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Oh, Pat...what a sad couple of days you have had. Tough decision about your aunt, but what is best for us isn't always what we want. I guess that is hard to accept at any age.

I'm so sorry about your little furry angel. I do hope he isn't too uncomfortable. Your loving hands are a good place for him to be. God bless.

AngelStar said...

millie sends her best to you, we are sorry you are having a rough time, love angelstar

Peggy Frezon said...

Prayers and luv to Indy. Good luck with everything going on. Lots of snuggle time with the dogs helps!

Ryker said...

Just check in to see how things are going with Indy. Give him a belly rub for us.

Eileen said...

Sending vibes for Indy's health! I hope he gets better.

Ann Summerville said...

I'm thinking of you Pat. My dog Rosco had a lump removed and it was cancerous. The vet wasn't hopeful but that was two years ago and he's doing fine. I'll keep both you and Indy in my prayers - sometimes the little guys just seem to keep going despite it all.
Ann

Pup Fan said...

Thinking of you and sending hugs your way!

Tammy said...

All the best to you, your aunt, and little Indy. Bless you for handling it all so well. Sending good thoughts your way!