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Monday, February 14, 2011

Gracie

It's Monday evening.
Last night we got the call we were hoping for from the surgeon to bring Gracie in this morning at 7:45 for her operation.  He did not have to show up for jury duty today so we were good to go. There was obvious concern, however, when we told him she had been vomiting every time she ate.
We were told the blood work would need to be done first and if the news was bad he would call soon.
We got the call soon!
Bad things showed up as far as kidney function was concerned and a few more minor issues.
No operation today.  And not for at least 7-10 days after current issues resolved.
Kidney problem much more serious to address first.
So Gracie is at the hospital tonight and maybe for several more until they get her problems figured out.
Could be as simple as dehydration or as serious as - I don't want to go there right now.
They don't know and we don't know.
The good news is she seems pretty normal in all other respects given her torn ACL - and she is even getting around better with it.  She seems happy and her tail wags and she is drinking and urinating OK - all good signs.  The vet said she is a "model" patient.  So it may turn out to be something not too bad.  It's still bad, but maybe not as serious as indicated by her blood work done today.  The doctor said another several days left untreated might have resulted in kidney failure.  She is on an IV and no food to see if her system can get back to normal. More blood work in the morning to see if she is responding to the treatment to rehydrate her and settle her digestive system down.
If the numbers improve, we are good.  If she does not respond to current treatment we are advised to take her to San Diego or LA for special treatment.  Our current vet, while a great vet, has specialized in surgery.  His office is not equipped or staffed to continue the treatment he has been providing as a courtesy so far.  Don't get me wrong!  We love him!  It's just that he is a surgeon.  He simply cannot economically treat her problem if it does not go away in a few days.  A specialist will be required.
We are planing on good news tomorrow morning.  Have to be positive! And will adjust the trip accordingly. Gracie is our main concern. We will keep you informed.
Your southwest and sad correspondents.....Peace