Well, we are beyond a month since this all started. The swelling is all but gone in her cheeks and jaws. She developed a big knot between her shoulder blades after the last Vet visit, but I think it is from an anti inflammatory shot he gave her there. She is still lethargic and weak. She seems to have no appetite even though she's on an appetite stimulant. She is getting weaker and has dropped to 146 pounds (she was 165). We made the meatloaf recipe and have tried a gazillion other things but she just won't eat. She may eat a few bites of anything we bring her, but only a few. It would almost be funny the way she'll take something and then drop it when she thinks you're not looking as if to be polite, if it weren't so terribly frustrating for me and the wife. I think we're doing all we can but it seems to boil down to getting her to eat to regain her strength. Our Vet didn't want her to get below 145, but I'll bet she is right now and I feel certain that if she is when we take her back on Friday that he's going to want to keep her. It's starting to hit us in the pocket book too, we've spent nearly 2 grand out of our emergency fund in the last few weeks, not that it matters. We're just tired and ready for her to be better.
Jack
We're still praying!
Hang in there, you have done so much, Bella needs you to not give up for her even if it seems that she has. I would also suggest a specialist, not only for their specialty, but for another perspective.
I'm sure your vet is wonderful and has been there for you, but when there doesn't seem to be a solution it is very possible you will find someone who has seen this before and will know what to do.
Our hearts and prayers are continously with you!!!!
Many Hugs and Prayers
Oh Jack, I am so sorry that Bella is not doing any better - you have done everything in your power to help her. I totally agree it is time for a specialist - don't give up yet. My Mollie had similar problems and she didn't eat for what seemed to be forever...I tried everything but like Bella she would spit it out when you weren't looking. The vet finally realized that she had a stomach infection that was spreading to her intestines - after many powerful antibiotics she finally got well...like you it took a hard jolt on my finances, and many said to put her down - I couldn't do it - once they identified the infection then she bounced back in no time...I am praying that they find that source of infection...just as a foot note, I had MRSA in several parts of my body and it took the docs 3 weeks to indentify that nasty infection... so just hang in there - I truly believe Bella will get better...
Judy, Scooby, and Daphne
Sending good thoughts and prayers....
There is nothing worse than a loved one being ill, and not being able to do anything to make it right. We are sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
another update
Last night the knot in Bella's neck just above her shoulder blades that we thought might be from the anti inflammatory shot our Vet gave her popped. It's oozing the same milky puss that her jaws were discharging. I felt around on her and she has a large knot under each of her armpits. I was wondering, is it possible that she's allergic to the anti-inflammatory and this could be causing the swelling and stuff? We go back to the Vet tomorrow and we will definitely asking if it's time to see a specialist. I'm reallly worried about this and I fear that she is not long for this world and it breaks our hearts. she has a look of impending doom on her face like she has given up. She's drinking tons of water which makes me worry about her kidneys but she is urinating well. She's still not eating much.
Jack
yikes..
I just saw this and I hope that by now you are back from the vet with some answers... sending prayers hugs and good karma!
I'm so sorry
My heart really goes out to y'all.
You have our doggy prayers.
I would also suggest seeing
I would also suggest seeing the specialist. There's only so much your regular vet can do and at a certain point, he really should refer her to a specialist if no progress is being made.
¸..·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ ·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ¸.·´ -:¦:- Lauren -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´ Guinness' Mom
one last thing to try
We had our vet visit on Friday. We were going to ask about seeing a specialist and didn't want to hurt our Vet's feelings too much, but things just weren't progressing. It appeared we were just moving the problem around her body instead of fixing it. However, before we had the opportunity, he suggested it himself. He was pretty baffled by what was going on.
Early on, when this all began he suspected that it might be an auto-immune disease of some sort, but consulted with a specialist that didn't think so and recommended against giving her steroids to suppress her immune system. Well, that is what he wanted to try as one last thing before sending us to a specialist. We're trying not to get our hopes up since we've been up and down so much, but the difference has been amazing in just three days. Bella is up, barking at the neighbor, keeping Landry the lab in line, and eating much more. The knot in her neck is gone and the knots under her arms are getting smaller. Her whole demeanor is so much better. She is still weak, but things look a lot better. So, if this does it, then apparently our vet was right in the beginning. I hope things continue to improve like they have. I'm afraid to get my hopes up too high since we've had a few ups and downs, but no ups as dramatic as this.
Jack
Jack
Awesome
I really hope this does it! Steroids helped my Bubba Chad when he had a pulled neck. He had to pee a LOT from them, but like your Bella, was a new dog in just a few short days! Please continue to keep us posted on her PROGRESS just thrilled she is improving!
Sara (Bubba Chad's and Shammy's mom)
terrific
this sure sounds hopeful. please keep us posted.
soo soo sorry
For you guys and poor Bella! Do they have any better idea of what all this is? I guess the best thing for her right now is lots of love an patience.... It certainly sounds like you are doing all the right things.... I am sure you tried the dreaded can food, cheese... and anything else...
I will keep you all in my prayers for a fast bounce back
soo soo sorry
We've tried everything. Peanut butter, raw meat, magic meatloaf, weiners, bologna, ham, turkey, and canned food. She never eats more than a couple of bites of anything. Even cottage cheese which she used to bounce off the walls for doesn't interest her.
Jack
Wow
I am so sorry. I know it's frustrating when they don't eat. My Pita Pie didn't show any real outward signs of not feeling well, other then not eating. After 3 weeks of multiple tests, we knew it was her liver, but wasn't sure what. She would go to the vet, get an IV, perk up, come home and start the cycle all over again. Finally I just knew it was time for me to say good-bye to her. Turns out (via an autopsy) that it was liver cancer ravaging her body.
I really hope Bella starts to turn the corner for you. You have done EVERYTHING you could for her and I really hope she recovers and starts getting an appetite back. Have you taken her to the specialists on the Tollroad? It's like a big ol' hospital, but for 4 legged patients. http://www.dfwvetsurgeons.com/
They are great.
Hang in there.
Sara (Bubba Chad's and Shammy's mom)
on Trinity Mills?
my brother and sister in law took their chiwawa there.... that dog was a regular... always some drama... the only reason he isn't there regularly now is because they moved to AZ! I know my sister in law LOVED the place and had lots of good things to say about it....
You might also consider one of the vets rescue uses because we know they see danes all the time....
I am sure your vet is awsome but even the most experienced can miss something
So Sorry
I have a Shih Tzu (minscule compared to a dane) And he just had the same probalem, we thought he had liver poisaning! it turned out that it was just an infection in his stomach. I am shure you have tried treets and making her food tiny... I hope she feels better soon!