Saturday, September 29, 2012

One Last Chance

Hi bloggers, I want you to know that I've been reading your posts whenever I get some spare time even though I haven't been able to leave many comments. I'm trying to get back to my normal blogging time, but things have been a little hectic around here.

I want to let you all know where things stand with Samba's illness. The Tylan didn't work for either Samba or Sky. Samba has continued to go downhill, refusing to eat anything or to take meds except by force. The diarrhea also continues for both of them. Bailey and Tess are both doing much better and by the end of next week should be back to normal.

I made the decision on Wednesday that next Monday morning we'll put Samba down. I called the vet and told him. On Friday morning he called and asked if I still felt the same and I said that I had not changed my mind. He asked me to bring her in, that he wanted to examine her and talk to me.

Samba is down to 30 pounds now and is very frail. His examination showed that she is not in pain and is not running a fever. He said if I'm determined to euthanize her on Monday, there's one last thing he wanted to try. If it works it could save her, if it doesn't work she'll spike a fever, become  very sick, perhaps collapse and we'll have to let her go immediately. He said that if it fails and we lose her, we'll know that we tried everything we could do. I listened to his plan and agreed to try it.

He gave Samba an injection of Dexamethasone and one of Vitamin B12. He wants me to give her a high dose of Prednisone every day plus an antibiotic and some B12. We'll know in just a few days if this will work. The high amounts of steroids will bring back lots of side effects such as thirst, frequent urination, tremors, etc. One of the good effects might be increased appetite.

Dr B also listed several foods he wanted me to try and feed her, things he doesn't usually recommend such as chicken liver breaded and fried in olive oil and tuna packed in oil. He wants her to get lots of calories.

So what's happening? Last night Samba got hungry. She ate about half a dozen boiled shrimp and at bedtime had a small bowl of yogurt. This morning she ate some dog food and half a can of tuna. Mid morning she tried some of the fried liver. She's being much more cooperative about taking her meds today, too. So far there's no fever and she's resting comfortably.

As for Sky, Dr B says he's in no danger as of now. He had a bit of a fever yesterday and is now taking an antibiotic. He hasn't lost any weight and the doctor thinks the diarrhea will improve soon.

So now we wait.

29 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

And while you wait and do all you can and more, we will cross our paws and Mom will pray for Samba to fight her way through this and for Sky to heal well too. All our very best thoughts are with you.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

Ruby said...

When you wrote in your other post about a drug usually given to livestock and in a powdered form, I knew it probally was Tylan. I, too, tried it with my Annie, and it didn't work with her either. I was glad that my vet was open minded enough to give it a shot though. The only thing that helped Annie (and eventually didn't) was what he probally has Samba on now (metronidazole) Annie had to be on such large doses just to keep her stable, that eventually she got a toxic build up in her system.
I surely understand exactly what your going through. I ache for your decision. I am glad to hear that Samba isn't in any pain. Such a relief.
I will be keepin' my fingers (and paws) crossed that the new plan works! Sending you and your pack some AireZens....

Kisses,

Ruby

How Sam Sees It said...

We have been thinking of you so much. Sam was on Tylan as a pup, and went on it earlier this year for diarrhea, but he didn't have any other symptoms and it was a success for him. We will keep you in our prayers.

Sam

Anonymous said...

We are pulling for Samba, paws crossed, Front and rears, give her a big Scottie Arooooo for us!

Your Furiends
Susei & Bites

Dan said...

I'm amazed by your strength during this extremely difficult time.

My thoughts and best wishes are with you and Samba (and the others).

Mad about Craft said...

Sue-this is so horrible, my heart goes out to you!!!

SissySees said...

Crossed paws, prayers, and Sissy is slinging drool, because that's what bassets do.

You are an inspiring dog-ma. I know this is draining you even more than you're letting on, but thanks for keeping us posted and for working with Dr B to give Samba every possible chance.

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws continue to be crossed and we're sending lots more AireZen. Hugs to you, Sue and Rob.

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Jo's World said...

It is my dearest hope that this will work and work well for her. Dear Samba, so frail, makes every risk worth taking. Prayers for recovery!

Love,
Jo

Dexter said...

Oh Samba! I hope that this is working. I am so glad to see you enjoying your din dins. It seems like you are feeling better and that's just wonderful news.

Mango Momma

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

It sounds good...we're glad she's eating anyway...must be feeling better. Our thoughts are with you.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

Oskar said...

Oh, I hope this works! My paws are crossed.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

rottrover said...

Samba, our paws remain crossed for you and for your humans, too.

Bart and Ruby

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Sue what a journey you are on! I was holding my breath the entire time reading your post. I'm hoping that that Samba is still stable and that all continue to find their health and strength.

We are here on the sidelines sending prayers and lots of hope in your direction!!

The Life of Riley said...

With paws crossed we are sending our love and best wishes to you all.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi Portie Family, you know we have Samba in our thoughts. It sounds like you are doing every possible thing for her. Keep on eating Samba. Gentle hugs to you sweetie and to your family too. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are sending healing purrs and our paws are crossed that Samba pulls through.

Life with Wrigs said...

Oh, Sue, I'm sorry the tylan didn't help. I hope that your vet's last-ditch effort to help Samba will be a success. It does sound like the new treatment plan is helping some. I wish I had a magic wand. Best wishes and positive thoughts sent your way for a good outcome!

Susan T in AZ and Wrigs

Matilda the Boxer said...

We have our paws crossed really really hard for Samba!

gMarie said...

Oh Sue - I don't have words. Samba is so very lucky to have you and Dr. B. I hope she continues to improve through the weekend. Hang in there and know we are sending you all the good vibes we have. g

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and Samba!!

Hugs,
Nanina

booahboo said...

We will say a prayer and keep our fingers and paws crossed for Samba and Sky. Do take care.

Hugs and kisses,
Anny+Dommy

Nicki said...

Dr. B always says nothing should die without steroids. We will continue to keep you guys in our prayers. All the fur kids are pulling for Samba as well.

Lapdog Creations said...

I've been checking emails for updates and just finally got to sign on and see this. Your vet is wonderful... I'm glad he convinced you to give this a go... and so far, from what I'm reading here, YAY... I'm anxiously awaiting an update!

Marjie said...

I'm thankful Dr. B gave you one last chance. You know now that you've done everything possible. I know how hard this is for you, and my thoughts are with you and Rob throughout this horrible ordeal, and hoping for a good outcome. (((hugs)))

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

We were so encouraged by this post - and the fact that there was no subsequent "Bridge" post today. Paws crossed Samba & Sky are both much stronger. We still can't comment as much as we'd like [stupid mama], but we're still checking to see how you are!

Jed & Abby

bichonpawz said...

Sending lots and lots of prayers that sweet Samba will be doing better and better with these meds! It is a good sign that she is eating and not in pain. Blessings to you all!
Xoxo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

soulbrush said...

And I wait with you and pray and send buckets of love to all.

Soggibottom said...

Lots of good thoughts and loving crossed paws here too x x x x x x x