Monday, November 5, 2012

Some Updates

Last week I posted that we'd had a big change and appetites had improved along with better output. That lasted four days and just as suddenly they crashed again. They refused to eat, stools turned watery and they both seemed sicker. I worked overtime coaxing them to eat and was sure we'd see a weight gain on Friday. But I was wrong, both had lost more weight. Sky has dropped from 66 pounds to 48 and Samba has gone from 52 pounds to 28.
Dr B is very concerned. He said we may not be able to save Samba, and Sky is iffy. Standard medicine isn't working to kill the cryptosperidium bacteria and we have to start thinking outside the box. If we don't get some weight back on these dogs, we'll lose them both. Their bodies aren't absorbing nutrients from their food and what they eat just passes thru.

I won't be posting any new photos of either Samba or Sky at this point because they're both suffering severe hair loss from their malnutrition. It doesn't seem fair to them to show their thin hairless bodies to everyone.

Dr B had a new strange idea for us to try. He's not giving up. Pig pancreas! He says that feeding them pig pancreas may help give them enzymes to help them absorb their food. He made a number of calls to butchers, but no pig pancreas was to be found. Still there is a powdered form of the pancreatic enzyme available and it's been ordered. It should be here in the next couple days and they'll start getting it several times a day on their food.

In the meantime they're eating natto at mealtime and though the other eight dogs think it's yummy, Samba and Sky don't want to touch it. I have to get creative in disguising it with other tasty treats such as peanut butter. They're getting other supplements such as Boost and Fortiflora daily.
As bad as all this sounds, something good happened yesterday. Though Sky is unchanged and feeling very sick, Samba had a nearly normal stool for the first time in 4 months. I called Dr B this morning to report in and he's happy. He says now we start packing on the calories, five meals a day along with snacks and treats. This takes up most of my free time, as you can imagine, but it's the last option for them.

On another issue, we've been having no success in finding a replacement ball for Sky. Though Petco advertises the exact ball, they actually carry the smooth ones. Yesterday I emailed Sergeants, the company that makes the glow ball and explained Sky's situation.
This morning a very nice lady from Sergeant's called and asked for details about Sky and his ball. She is going to try to locate one for him. I guess there is still good customer service available afterall. I'll let you know if she succeeds.
We know your paws are probably getting tired from having them crossed so long, but if you can hold on a little longer, we're still trying hard to get Samba and Sky well again.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

No we are not tired, they need our support, Dad said he can tie them together if needed!

Your Worried Furiends
Susie & Bites

SissySees said...

My girls have learned to sleep with their paws crossed, so no hardship here. We're glad to keep vigil for Samba and Sky, and I'll check my local PetCo tonight for the textured ball.

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

We Beaglebratz NEVER git tired of crossin'our pawz. B-sidez, lately our mom haz asked for them a few timez fur both of us so it wood only b fair - an'they werk too!
We haz ourz crossed an'we know mom will be sayin'prayerz when we tell her 'boutz Samba an'Sky.
Shiloh'n The DIVA Shasta

Life with Wrigs said...

Paws and fingers continue to be crossed for Samba and Sky! We know you are doing everything you possibly can to help them get well and wish more than anything that would happen.

Susan and Wrigs

Lapdog Creations said...

All paws crossed here... for as long as need be.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

All paws crossed at Rocky Creek Farm.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Ivy and The Sweet Buglets

Marjie said...

I can keep hope up for you and the sick babies as long as you need it. I'm sure the nice customer service lady trying to locate a new ball for Sky is helping bolster your spirits a little, too. My thoughts are with you, especially, Sue, because this has to be really draining for you.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We'll hang in there with you! The Vet certainly isn't giving up.

Good luck with the ball.

XXXOOODaisy, Bella & roxy

The Life of Riley said...

We are still keeping our paws crossed for Sky and Samba, and thinking of you and Rob.

Ruby said...

Are you kiddin'??? I will NEVER tire of crossin' my paws for you guys!! NEVER!
Todays Ma went to Petco, Petsmart, and another pet store near us, butts no one had the ball. So sorry to report Ma flunked out. I will have her keep her eyes open thou! I'm sure glads the nice lady at Sargents was able to help you out! Kudos Sargents!!
I will be sendin' you guys good healin' thoughts, and of course AireZens...

Kisses,
Ruby

Jo's World said...

Oh dear girl, I can't even imagine your disappointment when you felt so strongly they were going to be OK. You can be sure there will be six paws crossed here for both Samba and Sky, prayers and wishes too. Pray for the Pig Stuff!

Love and hugs,

Jo, Stella and Zkhat

Two French Bulldogs said...

We have all our feets crossed for you guys
Benny & Lily

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws remain crossed and we are praying so hard.

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Kerry said...

Hoping the pig enzymes do the trick. And how good of Sergeant's to find a ball for you; at least I hope that they do, fingers crossed.

Tammy said...

Lurker, first time commenter. My heart goes out to you in your struggle with Samba and Sky. I was so happy to hear that things were looking better, and sad to hear that it turned again. I live not too far away from Springfield and wondered if perhaps you could contact someplace like Mamma Jean's and find out who their organic meat supplier is, and perhaps then contact that farm to see if they would have any Pig pancreas. Another idea might be this place Shrock Country Butchering Phone: (417) 345-4342 which is in Buffalo Mo, which is 36 miles from Springfield.

Anyway, all paws crossed and prayers being said for both of them to recover.
Tammy

Anonymous said...

I keep thinking about you, Samba and Sky everyday. I pray and pray that they will have a solid turn around. Paws and fingers remain crossed and holding my breath. Get well pups!!!

Hugs,
Nanina

How Sam Sees It said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news.

I e-mailed you, but I did try several local stores looking for the ball. They only carried the little version, or the smooth balls. I'll keep fingers crossed you find one!

Sam

gMarie said...

Mine have crossed paws all the time. We are praying for you all constantly. I hope the woman finds a textured ball. I'm glad she called you back. g

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

Keeping our paws crossed for Samba and Sky for as long as needed. So far, mama is striking out on the ball for Sky, too. She'll keep looking. Hope some of Tammy's leads for finding real pig pancreas work out, or that the powdered form does the job.

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