The Struggle of Triumph the Fighter

MyRescueCrew · 07-03-2008, 04:36 PM

Hey guys, home from work! Triumph is doing great, he's definitely making great daily progress! Today, he was able to not only stand on his own, but he was also able to take a few wobbly steps! HUGE improvement from Monday when he couldn't even lift his head.

I bought him a supplement called "Stat" which is a high calorie, high vitamin supplement for sick dogs. I gave him 2cc's in a syringe this morning and he loved it. This afternoon, before I left, I went to give him his second dose. As I was squirting it slowly in his mouth, he grabbed the syringe with his teeth and start sucking on that thing! I went to pull it away and he latched on and did the cutest little growl while shaking his head. He LOVED that stuff! And that little attitude is such a major improvement -- he's definitely feeling better.

We did a fecal test today, and everything came back negative now that he's been wormed. So that's good, no more icky worms.

He's getting out of the woods, but we are still on high alert until he is healthy enough to be vaccinated. We're concerned about him getting parvo, there's always that risk in a unvaccinated puppy so we're hoping we can vaccinate him maybe Monday or Tuesday. Because he is unvaccinated, we deided NOT to take him home this weekend. My mother also works with animals, and we just don't want to bring him in the house and expose him to any possible diseases. At the clinic, he's in the cat room and isolated so he's a bit more safer there.

I will be going into town Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon to check on him, however. And tomorrow I will be leaving a large note on his cage as a obvious reminder for him to get his meds and make sure he has lots of water and his A/D food. I think things will be fine, especially since he is growing stronger, and I will be in during the day at least once to check on him. Plus I'll be back first thing Monday morning at work to be with him.

He won't be going home with me until a few days AFTER he's vaccinated, so that the vaccination can have time to begin to kick in and he's got a lot more of his strength back. He'll probably be going home at the end of next week, most likely next Friday or Saturday.

I'm trying not to get majorly attached until he is out of the woods, fully vaccinated, and has made it safely thru his neuter surgery (which is about a month away). However, I am already growing more attached by the day, just look at that face!!

Renoman · 07-03-2008, 04:43 PM

Fantastic news! He's an amazing little guy!

If Triumph is staying at the clinic over the weekend, will you be able to check in on him at all?

ETA: Oops, you answered my question.

alphadoginthehouse · 07-03-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyRescueCrew

I'm trying not to get majorly attached until he is out of the woods, fully vaccinated, and has made it safely thru his neuter surgery (which is about a month away). However, I am already growing more attached by the day, just look at that face!!

How could you not get attached. Even if he wasn't so cute, just what he has gone through would be enough for me to fall in love.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

pamperedpups · 07-03-2008, 05:58 PM

Just, wow. Best wishes to all involved. What a sweet little dog.

MyRescueCrew · 07-03-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphadoginthehouse

How could you not get attached. Even if he wasn't so cute, just what he has gone through would be enough for me to fall in love.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

LOL, it's SO hard. And as I said, I am already completely attached. But just so much could go wrong between now and the next month or so, so I really am trying to not become head over heels attached and have my heart completely shattered if something were to go wrong. We still have many more tests to run to make sure he doesn't have heartworms, and to make sure his anemia, dehydration, and severe anorexia didn't damage any of his organs. This will have to be checked prior to his neuter surgery especially, mainly his heart, to make sure he will breeze thru the anesthesia without any complications.

We're also thinking into the future as far as heartworms go as well. We're going to do the heartworm test on Monday, couldn't get blood out last time we tried to find a vein. We HIGHLY suspect he is positive, it'll be a pure miracle if he's not, but given his condition and all other factors, he most likely has heartworms. So it's already been thought about whether we'll do the more powerful and risky treatment, or the "slow-kill" treatment with the Heartgard. It'll all depend on if he has any prior organ damage, and also how bad the heartworms (if he's positive) are. But, we'll cross all those bridges when we get to them.

alphadoginthehouse · 07-04-2008, 01:52 PM

I hope Triumph is doing well today. Give him a big hug from my motley bunch!

MyRescueCrew · 07-04-2008, 02:26 PM

Home from work! Happy 4th to all from me AND Triumph! Triumph is doing well, about the same today as yesterday. Still very weak, but able to stand in short intervals if you lift him up.

I was worried this morning when I got to work, because I noticed he hadn't pooped, or ate, since yesterday evening. This would've made 3 days with no poopy. However, before I left around noon, he made major poopy, and ate his entire can of food. I think he was just playing a trick on me, trying to get me all concerned. Well, it worked, that little booger!

I gave him his bath (he made a mess when he poopied), dried him off, and got him settled in his cage with lots of blankies. Since no one was at the clinic today, I had more time to slack off (insert slight giggle here) and I was able to take a few pictures of Triumph and his condition, as well as a video. Be warned, the photo's are a bit disturbing. The video just gives an idea how weak he still is, but also shows that he is now able to stand for a few seconds without falling flat over -- something he was NOT able to do back on Monday or Tuesday at all.

Bow and arrow hole #1:

Bow and arrow hole #2:

Pure bones #1:

Pure bones #2:

MyRescueCrew · 07-04-2008, 02:27 PM

Pure bones #3:

And for cuteness, a pic of Triumph standing:

And here's the video of Triumph from this morning:

alphadoginthehouse · 07-04-2008, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the update. He is too cute. Now I really see why you are hooked on him. I'm glad he's doing better and the video was great. He didn't fall over, he just sat down. Maybe he doesn't like standing for the camera

Enjoy your 4th! You deserve it.

MyRescueCrew · 07-04-2008, 04:27 PM

Yeah, he didn't fall, just sat down, which is much improvement. He does still fall quite a bit, but he is able to hold himself up for short intervals, which is remarkable compared to just days ago.

I'm going back in tomorrow sometime around noon, after the morning kennel tech leaves, to make sure everything's good. I'll be back in on Sunday as well, to check up on him. I live an hour away from work, 2 hours round-trip total, so it's killing me in gas! But it's so worth it.

MyRescueCrew · 07-05-2008, 01:18 PM

Home from visiting Triumph! He looks good today, he almost looked a bit more spunky, wagging his tail at me and acting excited. He was also able to stand up today in his cage on his own, from a sitting position. That's new, and positive!

I am becoming a bit aggitated... okay, extremely AGGRIVATED, but I am keeping myself calm (sort of) until Monday. Come Monday, it'll be one week since Triumph came in, and his gums are still pure white. However, the vet has not done any blood work yet! I really feel that with anemia that bad, bloodwork should've been done from day 1, which is what I've been pushing for everyday. But still, no bloodwork. He keeps saying let's wait and see. I no longer want to wait and see, and I will take him to another vet for the bloodwork if it's not done Monday by the time I get off work. I love my vet and all, I've been going there for years and I love working for him, but I feel this is extremely important and needs to wait no longer.

With that aside, I've been stressing already about his neuter, which is very far off. I'm worried about the anesthesia come surgery time, because of the anemia is so bad, and I'm worried about permanent organ problems. SO, come surgery time, I will have bloodwork re-ran and I am going to take him to a specialist that does ultrasounds and have an ultrasound done on his heart, just to rule out anything before the surgery. I would be mortified if we get him thru this and he dies from a simple neuter surgery.

The vet is closed today for the 4th holiday, but we'll be open again Monday. Come Monday, I want him heartworm tested as well, which hasn't been done yet. If he's positive, I'll start him of Heartgard when he's stronger in a couple weeks, and we'll worry about the heartworms once things are a bit better.

I stopped to the store before visiting him and bought him a toy. It's a extremely soft terry cloth ducky, SO cute! I put it in his cage and he wagged his tail and then laid his head on it. TOO ADORABLE! I instantly melted.

Also, on a side note to those who have been following along with Triumph's story, you'll remember that I said that the vet felt he was a young puppy, 6 months to a year or so, but wasn't sure. Well, I am almost positive he is NOT a puppy, but rather an older adult, 2-4 years old maybe. Since he felt better today, I did a good exam of his teeth. In the back, some are broken, badly, and the molars in the back on both sides have crusty, hard, yellow plaque built up on them. Something a young puppy would not have. His teeth aren't extremely tarter-ish, so he's not extremely old, but he definitely appears to be an adult.

This is a good thing though, I am a LITTLE less worried about him getting parvo. I know any age dog can get it, however, puppies are more prone. I've been in a panic thinking he was a young puppy and his chances were even greater. Knowing now that he isn't quite so young, I feel a tiny itsy bit better.

That's all for now! I'm driving back into the city tomorrow to visit him, I'll probably go around noon.

Oh, I also decided to take him off the Stat, after I compared it to Nutri-Cal. Nutri-Cal has way more percentage of vitamins in it than Stat, for the dosage given, and also contains iron, which may benefit him. Aside from that, some websites warned not to give an anemic dog any supplements containing Propylene Glycol, as it can cause anemia to get worse. I looked at the bottle today, and Stat had a warning at the bottom saying it contains propylene glycol. So, tomorrow he won't get Stat, he'll get Nutri-Cal instead. I stopped by the pet pharmacy on my way home and picked some up.

alphadoginthehouse · 07-05-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyRescueCrew

I am becoming a bit aggitated... okay, extremely AGGRIVATED, but I am keeping myself calm (sort of) until Monday. Come Monday, it'll be one week since Triumph came in, and his gums are still pure white. However, the vet has not done any blood work yet! I really feel that with anemia that bad, bloodwork should've been done from day 1, which is what I've been pushing for everyday. But still, no bloodwork. He keeps saying let's wait and see. I no longer want to wait and see, and I will take him to another vet for the bloodwork if it's not done Monday by the time I get off work. I love my vet and all, I've been going there for years and I love working for him, but I feel this is extremely important and needs to wait no longer.

With that aside, I've been stressing already about his neuter, which is very far off. I'm worried about the anesthesia come surgery time, because of the anemia is so bad, and I'm worried about permanent organ problems. SO, come surgery time, I will have bloodwork re-ran and I am going to take him to a specialist that does ultrasounds and have an ultrasound done on his heart, just to rule out anything before the surgery. I would be mortified if we get him thru this and he dies from a simple neuter surgery.

I'm sure your boss doesn't want you to incur any more expense than necessary in case Triumph doesn't make it (assuming he is charging you something). My very first rescue was such a pitiful excuse for a dog (she looked like an oversized wood rat) that the vet I took her to would do nothing until we were sure she would make it. She did and lived to be 13! That may be why he hasn't done anything yet. But I'm sure if you insist, he will do it.

And try not to stress about the neuter. Get him well now and come to that crossroads when you get there. If he is already standing up to greet you that IMO is a GREAT sign.

Give Triumph another big ATTA-BOY from me and my motley bunch! We're pulling for you T!!!!

carrie_griffes · 07-05-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyRescueCrew

I really feel that with anemia that bad, bloodwork should've been done from day 1, which is what I've been pushing for everyday.

With that aside, I've been stressing already about his neuter, which is very far off. I'm worried about the anesthesia come surgery time, because of the anemia is so bad, and I'm worried about permanent organ problems.

If he's positive, I'll start him of Heartgard when he's stronger in a couple weeks, and we'll worry about the heartworms once things are a bit better.

Oh, I also decided to take him off the Stat, after I compared it to Nutri-Cal. Nutri-Cal has way more percentage of vitamins in it than Stat, for the dosage given, and also contains iron, which may benefit him.

With the dehydration as bad as it was, and over all condition as bad as it was, the main concern would be to get him rehydrated and a little stronger. Blood work would be a stress on his system with the level of dehydration he was suffering also.

At this stage, taking one day at a time and rejoycing at each small step foward is much more important than worring about something planned after he is better. Get him better, then worry about if he is healthy enough for surgery.

Keep in mind, he is getting better and it is most likely due to the special attention and care he is receiving from you. You care and he is improving everyday, that is what matters.

The best of luck to both of you

Orange County Ca · 07-05-2008, 04:50 PM

I've read only your posts so I don't know what the others have said. Do you think the Vet doesn't want to spend the money on blood tests?

That is one lucky dog. Thanks for all your doing and for sharing. Great name by the way.

wvasko · 07-05-2008, 05:12 PM

Rescue Crew
Please, understand this is my opinion only, you are absolutely doing a great job with the little dog. I'm just throwing it out there to see if it makes any sense to anybody.

I would even wait before giving him Heartgard as it is a poison,(all worm medicine is put in dog's body to kill stuff) It's a necessary evil down the road but right now let his body work on good food, fresh water and rest. Just as the 1st vitamin supplement you were giving had stuff in it that you did not find appropriate and you changed it. I know the tendency now is to load people and dogs and whatever with drugs, medicines and a partridge in a pear tree. I think sometimes you get a war going on inside the body that does not help healing and maybe even hinders progress. Again just an idea for you to think about.

Kyllobernese · 07-05-2008, 07:17 PM

I am just curious as to why you think there is such a great hurry to neuter him? Why put him through the surgery until he is completely well, what is the rush? Male dogs are not going to drop dead if they are not neutered.

spotted nikes · 07-05-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvasko

Rescue Crew
Please, understand this is my opinion only, you are absolutely doing a great job with the little dog. I'm just throwing it out there to see if it makes any sense to anybody.

I would even wait before giving him Heartgard as it is a poison,(all worm medicine is put in dog's body to kill stuff) It's a necessary evil down the road but right now let his body work on good food, fresh water and rest. Just as the 1st vitamin supplement you were giving had stuff in it that you did not find appropriate and you changed it. I know the tendency now is to load people and dogs and whatever with drugs, medicines and a partridge in a pear tree. I think sometimes you get a war going on inside the body that does not help healing and maybe even hinders progress. Again just an idea for you to think about.

I agree.

Bless you for being there for this little one. You are his Angel, for sure. I grew up w/Lhasa's and it's hard not to love a little face like that!

MyRescueCrew · 07-05-2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyllobernese

I am just curious as to why you think there is such a great hurry to neuter him? Why put him through the surgery until he is completely well, what is the rush?

A great hurry? I am in no hurry at all. In fact, I have stated more than once that it'll be months before his neuter surgery, and that's just a guess. Could be even longer. I was simply expressing concern over the surgery in general, when the time does come, and what tests I plan to have ran, like the ultrasound on his heart, as an added precaution.

I never said I was neutering him right now, I would never even dream of it. Heck, we won't even give him his vaccinations because he is so sick, and we were scared just giving him worm medicine.

My concern right now is just him living thru each night and making it into the next day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyllobernese

Male dogs are not going to drop dead if they are not neutered.

Really? I didn't know that, whew what good news to hear! Now I won't be so concerned about him dropping dead from having walnuts. Now I can just worry about him dropping dead from complications of prolonged anemia, dehydration, and anorexia. Thanks again for the clarification!

Thanks for all the well wishes guys, me and Triumph appreciate it. I'll be visiting him in the morning, around lunch. I'll post with updates then.

If I can remember, I'll try to bring my camera and record a short video of him wagging his happy little tail for everyone.

alphadoginthehouse · 07-05-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyllobernese

I am just curious as to why you think there is such a great hurry to neuter him? Why put him through the surgery until he is completely well, what is the rush? Male dogs are not going to drop dead if they are not neutered.

You obviously did not read the entire thread. She is concerned about "when the time comes" for him to be neutered because he has been through so much. Everyone who has read Rescue's post about Triumph have nothing but admiration for her and you have to post a jack#*@ statement like this. If you can't say anything nice, then please don't say anything at all.

MyRescueCrew · 07-06-2008, 01:05 PM

Home from visiting Triumph today. I have some mixed news and some bad news. First, the mixed news. I got there and noticed Triumph hadn't eaten any food yesterday evening, nor did he drink any water. I offered him some of his canned food on my finger and he ate about the equivalent of a 1/4 of a can (a small 5 oz can, of the prescription A/D). He also drank a few sips of water. He eagerly took his Cephalexin, which is bubble gum flavored, and he took his Nutri-Cal with much enthusiasm. I am noticing in the last 2-3 days, that he isn't wanting to eat on his own much, but rather he waits for me to feed it to him on my finger. I think he thinks he's getting a treat or something.

His strength is about the same. I put him on the floor on a towel, he only stood for maybe 5 seconds before he flopped into a sitting position. But I'm still on that positive outlook of, at least he can sit up on his own now. I checked his gums, still very white. But that tongue is still nice and pink, as is the pigment of the pads of his feet. I looked up his eyelids, and there is a small shade of pink under the skin of the eyelid, which is something I THINK wasn't there last week, if I can remember correctly. So that's good. His sheer level of weakness is still what has me so concerned.

Now the bad news -- he has an eye infection, I assume, in both eyes. I noticed when I got there this morning, both of his eyes were leaking thick green goop. I cleaned his eyes up real good before I left, I'll let the vet know in the morning whenever the clinic opens back up.

I took a few pics of him before I left for everyone. You can't see the goop in his eyes, I had done cleaned him up before taking the pics.

I'll have more updates tomorrow when I get home from work. Tomorrow will be BRUTAL, since we've been closed for 4 days and have tons of dogs boarding that are going home.

So the update may be later tomorrow evening/night, but there will be an update!