| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 16 2011 : 3:51:14 PM
Sky is going to be having her ACL surgery (finally) this coming Thursday. She does have a few bumps that are going to have to be evaluated before surgery because if the chance of cancer is high we unfortunatly would have to make the PTS choice instead of surgery decision. I am nervous and a part of my heart is breaking at the thought of having to say good bye to my sweet Sky Dog. Here's hoping the doc will say her lumps and bumps are benign.
****Sky's surgery went well but she is having a hard time with the medicine. She is vomiting blood and refuses to eat. We have her on some antacids that the on call vet recommended, but I need to call my vet this morning and speak with him.
****Last night, Sky was able to hold down her food for the first time since surgery. She was given about a quarter of a cup of soft dog food for sensitive stomachs. She also drank water and I gave her a saline/sugar water mix because I am sure her electrolytes were way off.
****We are now 24 plus hours of food given and no vomiting. Her hives are now almost completely gone and she has finished a full can of wet dog food and, some tuna fish, a few bites of refrigerated but dry dog food and a milkbone and a half (large size). She is has continued to drink water. I think she is on the mend! I decided to go ahead and give her the antibiotic tonight as I am worried about infection and I also gave her a quarter tab of Deramaxx. I think that since she has food in her stomach, she should be okay for both of these and I am hoping that we will start seeing some improvement in her energy and appetite over the next few days.
Sky threw up again on Saturday when I wasn't here. Doug said it was quite a lot each time. I am giving her a prescription anti nausea pill as of Saturday night (thank goodness for an awesome vet who will send me meds through the mail!) Sunday was a good day. She ate eggs and some plain yogurt. I thought we were on the road to recovery. Her incision is well on the way to being healed already. It looks so much better and the fur is growing back at the surgery site. However this morning I woke to find that she had not slept in the bedroom like she normally does. She was in the bathroom and chilled to the touch. She got outside and did her potty and then laid down again. I got her up and as she went inside she was putting some weight on her foot but now she is laying on the floor shivering/shuddering. She has zero interest in food. I think her night on the floor and then putting weight on her leg is affecting her. I got her anti nausea and the pain pill in her. I am hoping giving her the pain pill on an empty stomach doesn't cause a bleeding ulcer, but I think her body will process it quicker than her supressed system post op. She is drinking water still so I am not worried about her kidneys.
I know she is recovering from major surgery and I shouldn't expect her to be back to normal so soon, but this up and down routine is starting to frazzel me. It is possible since she ate so heartily yesterday that she just isn't hungry today. She has stopped losing weight and her hip joints don't looks so knobby as they did when she was refusing food for a whole week. Sometimes even when she is healthy she self-fasts. I just would prefer her to have food on her stomach when I give her the medication. I hope she feels better by this evening!
*****Sky was running a fever this morning. Not a horrible one, but not good either since she has had surgery involving her bone. The vet is mailing me Subcue antibiotics.
***** Sky's injection antibiotics arrived yesterday and I gave her the first one. So far I am not seeing any improvement in demeanor. She still is refusing most food. She drank about 2 tablespoons of milk (she gets milk frequently in day to day life so I know she isn't intolerant) and she had about 1/2 of an animal cracker. She licked the meat I tried to give her but wouldn't swallow. This is going to drive me nuts!! Probably she is fine but she hasn't eatten anything of substance for several days.
*** Well I finally had to take things into my own hands. I force fed Sky some vitamin enriched broth (about 60 mls) And then I "helped" her eat a few table spoons of dog food. A couple of hours later I got the dog food out again and she voluntarily ate several tablespoons and I helped her eat a few more. Then she ate half of a large dog biscuit! After another little while she came back inside from pottying and ate some mac and cheese!! She has had now maybe one and half to two cups worth of food today!! This is the most she has had in days!! I am so happy. I am going to give her a few hours to process this before I offer her any more
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 06 2011 : 8:14:00 PM
Sky is still eating!!! YAY!! This is day two of food and I can tell she is feeling so much better already! She wanted to play a bit today! I am so happy. Now we are just waiting for all this food to fill up her gi tract and for her to start eliminating again.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Aug 03 2011 : 06:32:04 AM
Audrey- at this point sky is refusing everything so I don't think she will eat canned pumpkin. She normally likes bananas but will not eat them. She even turned her nose up on the venison last night that I was sure she would eat. I am sure she will eat again once she gets hungry enough but I can't help fretting over her. Poor Skydog!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| acairnsmom |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 8:13:20 PM
Oh Alee you're a wonderful dog mommy. She is so sweet but she has that look that things aren't right. I was going to suggest some chicken & rice which is what my Cairn gets when he has tummy issues but you say she's not interested in chicken so never mind. I also had a cat that the vet suggested canned pumpkin for her tummy troubles late in her life. Never got her to eat it but maybe Skye might like some? Hang in there. The six weeks will be over before you know it.
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 10:44:15 AM
Hi Sherry- I don’t think it is necessarily normal how sick she has been but it has been a combination of several factors. Any older dog is expected to have some issues with anesthesia. My other dog used to have seizures when she was put under. Sky was initially sick from the anesthesia and the strong medication. Then I think she was having an allergic reaction to the antacid which cause more vomiting and hives. So once we got over that it has just taken some time for her body to clear itself and we also realized the pain meds are still way too much for her system. She is going to have to be a tough girl and go through recover without the pain meds. I think they were suppressing her system too much and causing the lack of interest/appetite.
Last night she started to lick her wound which is great. She is starting to take an interest in it and this morning she went in and out several times. I will post an update this evening when I see how she is feeling. Hopefully the injectable antibiotics will arrive today as well.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| sherrye |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 07:37:21 AM
what a relief to hear she is eating meat. i was afraid to check on her today. she has been SOOOO sick. is this normal sickness for the type of surgery she had? so happy she is coming along. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| Alee |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 07:05:00 AM
Well Sky ate some venison and potatoes this morning- maybe only half a cup but it was more than she ate yesterday so I am very encouraged by this! She is no longer tempted by anything that has chicken in it. Good thing I have some venison and such in the freezer!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 10:25:20 AM
Me too Kris!!! She is such a sweetheart. This morning she was shaking then panting. Poor dog. I had to force her to take the medicine. I hope she holds them down while I am at work
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 08:24:55 AM
Alee, she sure has been through alot. Poor girl. She is so lucky to have you to take care of her. I hope she is better soon.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 3:36:15 PM
Hi Sherry- yes she is in a pretty touch spot, but so far she has kept her food down since last night. Almost a comlete can of dog food which after a full week of fasting is pretty awesome! :) I have some rice cooking right now and we will see if she will eat some once it cools. I might even try to tempt her with a little tuna fish. If I can get her to eat a bit I am going to see if she can handle her antibiotic. I am worried about her bone getting infected.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 3:27:00 PM
oh my goodness alee. you can see in her face and how she is laying its hard for her. my heart just swooned when i saw her pic. what a sweet pretty girl. you are a great mommy for doing this for her. i am sure it cost you. glad she is keeping food down?i bet your tired working and caring for her. heres to happy days for sky soon. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| Alee |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 1:41:17 PM
Karin- Sky is an Australian Shepherd mix. Possibly some border collie but most likely has some husky in her. She is double coated and normally has 6 inch long fur all over so I shave her down in the summer.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| YiberryYadeeKarin |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 1:20:01 PM
Alee,
What kind of dog is Sky? She reminds me of my Kami who is part Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.
Glad she is doing better!
Karin |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 12:57:49 PM
Sherry- here is a picture of Sky taken just a few minutes ago-
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 12:53:13 PM
Hi Karin-
Sky has not been interested in "people food" which is odd for her but I think she was just in extreme pain in her gut as well as her leg. How ever it does seem that she has held down her food for the past 18 hours or so, which is fantastic! I am going to see if she will eat more tonight. She has almost gone through one full can of dog food which normally I do not buy and would not feed to her, but she seems to be interested in it and willing to try. I am going to see if she will eat some rice or plain oatmeal mixed in with the dog food tonight. Since she has been without food for so long I want her to have some bulk to get her intestines working again. I am thinking dog food, oatmeal and some yogurt would make a good combo.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| YiberryYadeeKarin |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 10:47:35 AM
Alee,
I was just reading your posts on Sky's surgery. We had a dog once, Nahanni, who had to have both knees operated on (at different times, of course!). Those surgeries sure helped her! She also had some hip dysplasia and we gave her Ester C which helped that a lot.
I remember well those shaved legs (scary on a dog!) and trying to keep her calm and taking her out on a leash!!! Talk about being dragged around!!! = /
Our vet told us years ago if you have a dog who is having trouble keeping food down to give them some cooked ground beef. I can't remember if she said anything about rice or not but I usually add a bit of that, too. I had to use that combination a few months ago again when my dog, Pumpkin, had stomach problems while taking an anti-inflammatory.
I often times feel like I have four daughters: Linnea, 15, is two-legged and then there are Pumpkin (11), Kami (7), and Bella (7), all four-legged. I love them all dearly!!!
I hope Sky gets over her tummy troubles. Please continue to keep us posted!
Karin |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 10:07:39 AM
Hi Sherry- No is not walking on her leg yet. She is supposed to stay off it for 6 weeks as they have to drill into the bone for the surgery.
She seems to be holding down her breakfast so I gave her some more food. So far things are looking up today. I am going to keep up small but frequent meals for her poor abused tummy and hopefully she will be able to start to regain her strength!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 07:19:54 AM
wow alee, i would be so scared if it was me. i am so attached to itty bitty. i am happy to hear food stayed down. is she able to walk on it yet? you must have to be with her all the time out side. if you post a pic that would be great. i am sending hugs to you guys. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| Alee |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 07:11:15 AM
Sherry- She held down food for the first time last night. I gave her kaopectate last night before anything and then dog food for sensitive stomaches. She also got fluids forced. She has had breakfast today and so far is resting comfortably. I am really hoping this is the turning point for her!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 29 2011 : 07:02:08 AM
wondering how she is today alee?
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| nubidane |
Posted - Jul 27 2011 : 08:40:05 AM
Alee
Give her some Pedialyte or Gatorade in her water to ward off dehydration.
& try some yogurt too. The anesthesia she had has done a number on her system; that with an ulcer too!
Poor Sky |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 27 2011 : 06:49:21 AM
Well she is still vomiting, but the good news is that it isn't bloody any more which is excellent. I just wish I could get something to stay down. And now she has these weird bumps on her skin where she was shaved. I shaved one spot and the doctor shaved her leg so two different razors. And both have these weird bumps. Like the size of a irritated mosquito bump but lots! Her shoulder where I shaved is only the size of about half a dollar bill but it is covered in these things and her upper thigh of her leg is the same way but no where else. And they didn't show up until yesterday. I shaved Sky on Wednesday evening and the doctor shaved her leg Friday. So I am wondering if something in her system (like the new dog food) is causing the reaction and if so- why only in the shaved areas? Either that or she is allergic to something she is laying on and that is why only the shaved areas are reacting. Poor doog!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 9:51:07 PM
Hi Annika- no, she got a bleeding ulcer so we had to pull her off everything. Right now she is even throwing up just water and dog food. I even bought her the refrigerated dog food to tempt her appetite a little and I was hoping having some food would help settle her stomach. I thought we were in the clear last night until I woke up this morning to the mess. If she keeps throwing up I might have to make her swallow charcoal pills.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| Annika |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 9:48:50 PM
Oh Alee, it's so hard when our fur friends are hurting and ill. I truly feel for you and hope that poor Sky's stomach heals so that she isn't so sick all of the time. Has your vet given her rhymadal? My old basset deals with it for pain better than some of the other things, but it's like Tylenol and too much can cause liver damage.
Big hugs to you and to Sky.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 9:31:14 PM
oh alee sending hugs and love to you and sky. hope she is better soon. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| Alee |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 9:28:07 PM
Sky is still throwing up. I got to start the day by cleaning up vomit in my bathroom. Poor dog. I just feel so bad for her! I wish there was more I could do. Right now she is sleeping and she does drink water so that is good. She is peeing frequently (ish) so I know her body hasn't shut down. As soon as I know she is done vomiting I am going to work to try to get her body a bit more balanced. I just feel so bad for her!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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