My Day At The Vet; Good News and Bad News

Renoman

This is long, sorry - it's been a long day....and an even longer month.

I don't usually do this, but I really need to vent.... apologies to all.

Well, to start with I drove 2 and 1/2 hours one way to my vet's office. I love my vet and I refuse to go anywhere else even though he's so far away.

Anyway, 3 weeks ago, I rushed Chazz to the ER. He was having a major skin episode. He had an appt at the vet for the next weekend but he wouldn't have lasted that long. So I spent a Friday nite at the local ER. They gave me 2 antibiotics, pain meds, and a topical pain med and sent us home.

Today he had a followup with his vet and he's doing great. His skin issue will never be cured - it's allergies/immune system related. He will probably be on antibiotics for the rest of his life to keep it under control. But, right now he's healing great and back to his usual obnoxious self. I got a refill on his antibiotics and we're trying some new Chinese herbs to try to keep him stable.

After the holidays he's going back to the dermatologist for the interdermal allergy testing. I found out that the testing my old vet did is pretty much useless. The vet at the ER told me that the only really reliable allergy testing is the interdermal. My old vet did the blood testing.

So, good news is Chazz is doing well, for the moment.

Last night Buck was in and out numerous times which is very unlike him.
Each time he went out he was peeing 3 or 4 times and it was like he hadn't peed in 3 days. Then when he came in he was leaking. I was up with him every 2 hours last night letting him out. Poor BooBoo!

So this morning before I left for the vet I called and told them the problem and I told them I was also bringing Buck and a urine sample.

He's now on antibiotics for a kidney infection.

The Bad News: If the meds don't clear it up he needs further workup. The analysis showed that Buck's kidneys are not processing properly which might be a result of the infection or he might have a more serious issue....

I could just scream!!!

Lorina

*hug* What a time you've been having. Fingers crossed that it's just the infection giving him issues.

Kidney issues can be very managable if caught early. My old cat Sheba was treated for kidney issues her last two years, and it was heart failure that finally took her, at the ripe old age of 18. Her kidneys were actually functioning near normal at the end.

Curbside Prophet

Well, I'm glad you're Buck's owner...I'm confident you'll do what's best for Buck. Best wishes from us, and we are hoping for Buck's speedy recovery!

Renoman

Thanks for the hug, Lorina. I really needed it. Thanks for the words of confidence Curbside. I appreciate it and yes, whatever it takes.....

Buck is so young though - that's what's killing me. He is approximately 2.5 years old. He's a rescue thought to be about 1 y.o. when found so nothing solid on age.

I'm praying it's just an infection...

Mdawn

I'm so sorry!! It's hard when one dog is sick but two at the same time....I'd be ripping my hair out with the stress!!

Keep us updated!

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Inga

Prayers coming your way for Buck. I hope the infection is the only problem and that he heals quickly and fully.

digits mama

Awww. Renoman. I hope for better news soon with your 2.. And wishing you some rest. Sending pats to your boys..and a hug for you.

sillylilykitty

I hope you find out what Chazz is allergic to and that Bucks kidney infection clears up.

Renoman

Digits Mama and Sillylillykitty, thanks for your thoughts.

Buck started his meds last night - so we'll see. He didn't wake me up during the night to go out... this is me with my fingers crossed

As for Chazz - I take it day by day. As long as he's not having a 'flare up' - it's a good day.

I'll keep you posted on Buck.

Lorina

I just remembered one of our patients. She was a young Chihuahua, just a tiny little thing about 4 pounds fully grown, when she started acting really down and out sick. Bloodwork showed full blown kidney and liver failure, and also an infection. The owner brought her in daily for fluid treatments, weekly for bloodwork, and fed her & gave her pedialyte with a syringe, along with a liquid antibiotic. One day, she said to me in tears, "Is she going to get better, or should we just have her put to sleep?" I told her I'd ask the vet, who, in all honesty, didn't think she had *much* of a chance, but did say, "If it's an infection causing this, she has a chance." So that's what I told the owner, who was thrilled there was a chance, even if it's a slim one.

Next time she came in, the dog had eaten a little on her own. Her next bloodwork was somewhat improved. She was starting to get a little more active. A few weeks later, she was back to normal and has been since.

I know technically that if it was an infection that caused it, it was the care and treatment she received that saved her, but I can't help but think that Mommy having hope played a much bigger part of her recovery.

Wimble Woof

Renoman, I will be keeping Buck and you in my thoughts, I really hope its just an infection that will be cleared up. I know you cant help but stress out about things like this but be strong.
Huge hugs and keeping fingers firmly crossed for everyone!!

Renoman

Thanks everyone for your kind words and thoughts.

I am remaining positive that this is just an infection and Buck will be healthy again in a short time. My fingers are crossed as well just in case that helps

For Christmas this year I'm just going to show everyone my receipts from the vets and wish them all Merry Christmas. Think that will fly???

digits mama

That would work for me What Lorina said about hope was beautiful..so true...If I think of all the people on here that love thier dogs it is Renoman...She has such a big heart for others dogs too. If there is a such thing as reincarnation..I want to come back as Renomans GS

Wimble Woof

THat would fly for me actually im thinking of doing the same, thanks for the idea

Renoman

No problem

You're too much. Thank you for that DM, that is very sweet of you to say.
You're welcome anytime.

So should I expect you at my door dressed in a GS dog suit?????

digits mama

Yea...working on my bark first....WOOF!

Renoman

See you soon then

007Dogs

Hoping for a speedy recovery for Buck. Keep us posted. I spend so much time at the vets with my crew, that I have offered the new vet a rent free room in my home. LOL

Renoman

That's an idea - I may bring that up next time

Jen D

I hope Buck didn't decide this would be a good way to spend the day with you and get to see the vet also I hope Chazz continues to recover from the skin condition and Buck recovers fine. You will have to tell them they have to take turns on the wallet!

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