My old guy, Part 2

[ksmith]

So first thing yesterday morning, vet phoned with King’s lab results. I knew as soon as I saw the caller ID on the phone display that the news would not be good. Routine results, they phone over lunch hour. They wait a day or two. But when follow-up is needed, they call right away.

The technical term? King’s bloodwork was wonky. High liver enzymes. High cholesterol. Low thyroid hormone. In addition, urinalysis revealed a bladder infection. Given that boy dogs don’t usually get bladder infections, Vet wanted to follow up with X-rays to look for kidney issues–stones, crystals, etc. King has had Lyme disease, so kidney issues are always a concern.

Took King in this morning for x-rays. To say I was concerned…I mean, he’s an old dog. Who knows what an x-ray might reveal? So many things ran through my head, none of them comforting. There are times when it doesn’t pay to have an imagination.

Cut to the chase–the x-rays were clean. No Bad Things. No kidney stones or crystals, either, which were what Vet was concerned about. King does have arthritis of the spine and a hip issue, but we knew that. Still doesn’t explain his bladder infection, though. More on that later.

So. King’s on antibiotics for the infection, and levo for hypothyroidism. He’s also on a pain med. Luckily, he’s pretty easy to pill–just plunk the things in a mound of wet food and hold out your hand.

He was sedated for the x-rays, and is currently sleeping that off. Before that, he ate some breakfast.

The only fly in the ointment is if the bloodwork doesn’t normalize. This might indicate Cushing’s disease, which would also explain the bladder infection. Cushing’s is treatable but still not the best diagnosis in the world. But I don’t want to worry about that until it becomes a real issue.

King’s home. For now, I’ll take it.

Mirrored from Kristine Smith.

Comments

[sandramcdonald.livejournal.com]

Best wishes to him and you both! It's so stressful when our four legged kids have medical issues. He's lucky you are diligent and will do all you can for him.

[puddleshark.livejournal.com]

Such a worry, especially when they're older... I hope the antibiotics & pain meds do the trick.

[marthawells.livejournal.com]

Hope the medication makes him feel better. It's so stressful waiting for a diagnosis.

[mizkit.livejournal.com]

*hugs and hugs for both you and King* I hope he'll be just fine.

[barbarienne.livejournal.com]

Aw, poor old boy. I hope things resolve soon to a happy and comfy old age for him.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Not to pat myself on the back, but I knew as soon as he started hesitating to eat that something was wrong. This is King, who barks in reply when I say "Dinner!" and is righttherenexttome when I put the dish down on the floor.

He's not back to normal yet, and probably won't be for a few days. But he was improving on his own, and the drugs will give him a boost.

He likes your wishes. He says thanks!

So do I.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Me, too.

I can't accept that he's old, a geriatric dog. It's not right. It can't be true.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

He's outside now, lying on the lawn and watching the road. He has a clear line of sight in the direction of the nearby intersection, which is important because joggers and bikers and other dogs with their people could walk by unheralded.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Thanks--me, too.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I want him around for a few more years. If I move in the next year or two--to Oregon or Vermont or wherever--I want him to be with me, at least for a little while. I want him to see mountains, and run in the woods.

[harnessphoto.livejournal.com]

sending healing thoughts

[equesgal.livejournal.com]

Glad things are looking good.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Fingers crossed. I want my barky boy back.

[threeoutside.livejournal.com]

Best of luck to your sweet puppy. I'm glad all the Awfuls passed him by, and that he has such a good Mom.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Hugs to both you.