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BPO General Forum => General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws => : Pyr Heaven August 25, 2007, 02:35:55 PM

: All I can say is =(
: Pyr Heaven August 25, 2007, 02:35:55 PM
As some of you know, my baby Miles is 9 weeks old, and has recently been very sick after the diagnosis of hookworms.

Well, he started getting diarrhea a couple days ago, then yesterday, it had a bloody tinge to it.

I took him to the emergency hospital last night, and as soon as the nurse saw his gums, she picked him up and ran out of the room really quick.

He is there now. The vet asked what we wanted to do, and that the cost of treatment could be anywhere between 1200-2000 dollars. Mind you, I'm a 19 year old girl living with my boyfriend.

I had to tell them to do something. Miles is like my child. I couldn't let him suffer, and I couldnt euthanize him either. I have to see if he can fight this.

So, after staying at the vet for a couple hours I decided to come home to try and get some rest. The doctor called to tell me that his red blood cell count is supposed to be between 38-55% AND HIS WAS 7. He is also severely dehydrated. I didn't know though because he was drinking and peeing and everything. I feel so bad. He tested negative for parvo, and said this is mostly due to parasites (hookworms or a combination of others).

He had/is having TWO blood transfusions. The doctor once again told me he is in such a severe condition that he might not make it. Once again, I have to try.

What makes me SO dog gone angry right now, is that fact that I just had him at the vet on Wednesday. THREE DAYS AGO. And that doc didn't seem the least bit concerned. I THOUGHT he knew what he was doing. I THOUGHT the supplement would help. His gums were just about as pale on Wednesday, and he was more concerned about neutering and the removal of dew claws.

I feel horrible. I feel like I should've brought him in sooner. But I wanted to see if the supplement would help any.Or I should've taken him elsewhere right away. But I had always heard so much about this vet, and how it was so great. I trusted him with my animals. Or at least to a certain degree.

I feel so horrible. I just hope he's going to be ok....
: Re: All I can say is =(
: patrick August 25, 2007, 03:58:15 PM
When you have hook or whip worm they need to be treated specifically for this type of worm RIGHT AWAY and this is why I was surprised that your vet said wait a month before treating again- the breeder may have wormed the puppy but the mild wormer used for puppies is NOT effective against whip and hook. And blood in the stool is an emergency especially in a puppy. Anemia in a puppy is also an emergency.  I can only say prayers for you and your pup it is possible that he may not make it.  I did pull a pup through this years ago but it involved about a week of being syringe fed and watered every 2 hours around the clock for about a week and lots of care after that too
: Re: All I can say is =(
: bigdogs@5501 August 25, 2007, 06:21:37 PM
Poor baby Miles. I would confront the first vet on this. I am not sure but you might be able to file in small claims court against the 1st vet for the emergency treatment. I am sending happy thoughts to you and that sweet baby Pyr.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Duramax August 25, 2007, 06:30:04 PM
oh poor miles, im praying that he can make it through this. Hang in there.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: marypyrs August 25, 2007, 07:35:50 PM
I am SO sorry that you are having to go through this. Poor, Sweet, Baby Miles. Saying many prayers and sending healing vibs your way. I would have made the same decision as you. What ever it takes to make him well.

I have to tell you though. With this horrible situation you and your baby are going through, I am no longer going to sit on my duff and think about it. I will be taking Rainbow in ASAP to become a blood donor. And Whisper when he's older. It's been on my mind for a very long time. Now I will act on it.

 :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* HUGS! And best wishes for a full recovery.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: GoldenPyrs August 25, 2007, 08:41:22 PM
Ohhhhhh nooooooo!   :(  :'(  I've been worrying about Miles all weekend and hoping that he was doing better.  I'm so glad that you took him to the emergency vet!  I don't even know what to say, I'm trying so hard not to be furious at the first vet and at the breeder for not worming him better before he came to you.  >:(  >:(  >:(  Poor baby!!!!  Miles will be in my thoughts & prayers.  Please keep us posted. 

P.S.  I'm sure your mind is on Miles but if you haven't already, you need to contact the breeder and his/her vet immediately (if you have a vet health cert. for him, it should be on that) and let them know about Miles.  His poor littermates (and any other litters that they may have right now) are in real danger of this happening to them, too if they aren't treated quickly and properly!    :(
: Re: All I can say is =(
: angelsmama August 25, 2007, 10:00:14 PM
OMG.. when my dog chewie got hook&whipworms as a puppy my vet kep t him all weekend on an iv and meds..it hit chewie out of nowhere he was fine one day very next he was lethargic , my parents were at work so all i could do was wait..by the end of the day my baby had puked so much he couldnt even stand my stepdad came in and saw how he was doing then told me to call the vet n we left.. i was terrified my boy wouldnt make it.. now hes a very healthy boy  who REALLY needs a diet  :D hoping your babyhas the same story as mine  :-\ you csn do it lil miles
: Re: All I can say is =(
: People Whisperer August 25, 2007, 10:29:40 PM
Poor little Miles  :'( :'( :'( Please let us know how he is doing
I am surprised that your vet didn't do initial fecal test???
You should contact his breeder ASAP and let her/him know. Did you get a Health Certificate?
: Re: All I can say is =(
: schelmischekitty August 25, 2007, 10:33:56 PM
how sad!  i can't imagine how frustrating that must be :(  i hope things go well, please keep us updated!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: mama23+pyrs2 August 26, 2007, 03:14:57 AM
This is just horrible. Everytime I look at his sweet face on your avatar I just feel heartbroken for you. Update us as soon as you can! :'(
: Re: All I can say is =(
: lins_saving_grace August 26, 2007, 03:21:02 AM
Hang in there Miles!!  we'll pray for you.

the vet wouldn't lead you in the wrong direction.  there are times when you've done everything that can be done.  you'll know when that happens if it happens. 
you hang in there too
: Re: All I can say is =(
: LuvmyMal August 26, 2007, 03:29:55 AM
I hate to hear that about Miles, sending healing vibes his way to pull through. Please keep us updated.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: RMSChloe August 26, 2007, 03:58:17 AM
i know how hard it is to make the decisions to treat something like this. my pup has HOD, and i too, am 19, living with my boyfriend. hes in the union now, and i have a steady job thats decent, so that helped a little, but we were in no way prepared for over 2000 in vet bills in less than a month! but youre like me, i didnt think about the money as much as i did about my baby and doing everything i could to help them. theres something i will tell you as well... theres a reason! at first i said to myself "sure i had to pick the pup with all the problems!" but then i thought "the next person to come across her though might not have cared as much and put her down right away, and not given her the chance to try to pull through this" and i always think about that when i go to the vet... im thinking of youre little guy, hes so damned cute. its so unfair for them to have to go through things like this, but its people like us on BPO that see their life cant have a price put on it!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: angel101798 August 26, 2007, 06:15:34 AM
Oh no!  I am so sorry for you and little Miles.  Sending you both big {{{HUGS}}} and prayers.  Please keep us updated.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Pyr Heaven August 26, 2007, 06:59:04 PM
Thanks everyone so much for your overwhelming support.


GOOD NEWS!!!!!


Miles is home!!! I just got home from picking him up!!!

I called yesterday morning to check on him, and he was doing much better already. His color was back in his gums, he was more alert, and playful. They only had to do one blood transfusion (Thank DOG. I didn't want my poor baby to have to go through that twice.) His blood count was up to 30%. A HUGE change from 7%.

I visited him twice yesterday, and I was so excited that he was biting me!!!(Mouthing you know, not BITING....haha) I never knew I'd be so excited for him to do that!

His blood count and protein levels have been going up ever since he got the transfusion. He has been eating and drinking well. Still has diarrhea, but it looks much better than it did. The doc said it should be gone in 2-3 days, if that, but wanted him to stay one more night to make sure everything was alright. I overwhelmingly agreed to that. I wanted to make SURE he'd be ok after taking him home.

As far as cost goes, it doesn't even matter anymore. It actually never really mattered. It seems like such a small fee to have my baby healthy and back to his old self.

When we took him there, the vet kept saying how severe the condition was, and how his chances of making it were slim. He also said if he did make it, he'd probably need to be well monitored and stay in the ER for 4 or 5 days at least. I knew he could fight it. He's such a strong little boy!!!

I am so happy right now.

I will be having a follow up visit with my NEW veterinarian (which I have yet to designate) in 7 days to recheck his blood. He is receriving a 5 day (with 3 days left...he got two treatments at the ER) deworming treatment. Then repeat it once more in 2 weeks. Then, we will recheck his stool, and those doggone parasites should be gone.

Thank you SO much for your thoughts and prayers once again. I couldn't have done it without you guys!!!!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: angel101798 August 26, 2007, 07:04:05 PM
Yaaaaay! ;D  I'm glad you have your baby back, I've been thinking about Miles all weekend.  Make sure you give him lots of HUGS from us.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: GoldenPyrs August 26, 2007, 07:29:00 PM
Wonderful news!  I've been checking BPO frequently all weekend for news about Miles, and I'm so happy that he's doing so well.  Please give him a gentle kiss on his adorable little head for me.   :-*  :-*  :-*

BTW, I know that you've been busy, but if you haven't already, I'd really encourage you to call the breeder and the breeder's vet.  I'm concerned that by now his littermates may be sick or getting really sick with hookworms, too. 
: Re: All I can say is =(
: London_Pyr_Lover August 26, 2007, 08:33:07 PM
I'm so sorry I missed this.  I've been away from the computer for a few days, but am oh SO thankfull Miles pulled through!!  I was crying by the end of the first page just hoping that things would turn out well.  YAY!  Go Miles.  And I know vet bills can be huge, but you are absolutely right that in the end they don't matter.  What matters is that you have your boy home, safe and sound.
Big kisses on Miles' little nose!!   :-* :-* :-* :-*
And big slobbery kisses from Naja!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: People Whisperer August 26, 2007, 08:52:43 PM
Wonderful news!  I've been checking BPO frequently all weekend for news about Miles, and I'm so happy that he's doing so well.  Please give him a gentle kiss on his adorable little head for me.   :-*  :-*  :-*

BTW, I know that you've been busy, but if you haven't already, I'd really encourage you to call the breeder and the breeder's vet.  I'm concerned that by now his littermates may be sick or getting really sick with hookworms, too. 

I second that!!! Please  :-*

I am so happy that your boy is home and feeling better. Now...don't get scared of how fast he will start growing  ;)
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Sillygoose August 26, 2007, 09:23:34 PM
Oh that's fantastic. I'm sooo happy for you and Miles. Big licks and kisses from the pyr gang and from me too!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: RMSChloe August 26, 2007, 10:14:57 PM
YYYYYYYYAAAAAA AAYYYYYYYYY! *happy dance*  (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x2/ColiexAnolie/icons/dancingdoggie.gif)     (http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n166/chrisras87/Icons/dancingdog.gif)
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Pyr Heaven August 27, 2007, 12:41:10 AM
You guys are so great! It's nice to know that so many peoplep care.

He is truly back to himself. Being a little piggy. His stool is MUCH better...even from what is was when I first got him home.

Mr. Miles is back! =)

Once again, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

Also, I did e-mail the breeder. She has yet to respond. I will let you know what she says!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: mama23+pyrs2 August 27, 2007, 12:48:44 AM
What awesome news, I was really expecting to hear something bad too. I'm so happy for you and Miles, yay!!!!! Big hugs from Yukon and Yiska! :-* :-*
: Re: All I can say is =(
: GoldenPyrs August 27, 2007, 12:52:28 AM
You guys are so great! It's nice to know that so many peoplep care.

He is truly back to himself. Being a little piggy. His stool is MUCH better...even from what is was when I first got him home.

Mr. Miles is back! =)

Once again, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

Also, I did e-mail the breeder. She has yet to respond. I will let you know what she says!

Great news!  Give the sweet little "piggy" kisses from me.  :-*  :-*  Good job notifying the breeder, I'll be curious as to what she says.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: RMSChloe August 27, 2007, 01:14:40 AM
you should change the title of this thread from "all i can say is =(" to "all i can say is YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYAAAAAAAAYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYY!"
: Re: All I can say is =(
: GoldenPyrs August 31, 2007, 09:21:38 PM
Yes, he's been on my mind this week, too.  How's the sweet little baby doing?
: Re: All I can say is =(
: People Whisperer September 01, 2007, 05:01:17 PM
How is Miles doing???
: Re: All I can say is =(
: London_Pyr_Lover September 01, 2007, 05:33:41 PM
How is Miles doing???

Check out the "Growth of a Pyrenees Puppy" thread.  on the 3rd page is a small description of how Miles is doing.    ;)
Hint...  He's feeling better.   ;) ;D
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Pyr Heaven September 01, 2007, 06:15:18 PM
Woooo. Yes. Miles is doing much better. Back to his old self. Very hyperactive and playful. Everything still looks good. He has a follow up visit with our new vet on Tuesday at 10:00am to check his PCV and make sure he's doing well.

He's being a big biter lately! I've tried EVERYTHING to make him stop, and finally found a spray bottle works well. I think I will be carrying one with me EVERYWHERE for awhile. hahaha

Also, his breeder e-mailed me back, but didn't have much to say. She said that has never happened before, and she will treat the puppies more aggressively from now on. At least she responded....h aha

Here's a new pic. Notice his shaved leg (where his IV was) ;)

: Re: All I can say is =(
: macybean September 02, 2007, 07:13:20 AM
I'm happy to hear the good news. What a scary thing for you to go through!

: Re: All I can say is =(
: navarre1316 September 02, 2007, 07:33:03 AM
I'm digging the "poodle leg"!!  I'm glad he's feeling better.  When he bites you, also try to redirect him by giving him a toy or something.  I know that's sometimes hard if they're out of reach!!  Issy still likes to knaw on my arm every now and then, but now that all her milk teeth are gone it's not so bad!!  Good luck!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Pyr Heaven September 02, 2007, 03:36:33 PM
Ahhh, yes. The poodle leg! ;D When I was picking him up from the ER vet, the receptionists were saying how all the dogs on the block are going to want a cut like his :D hahaha
(He also has a bit shaved behind his leg by his paws (where they did the transfusion) and a bit shaved on his hind leg(where they drew blood). It seriously looks like I took him to a really bad groomer when you see all the different spots. :Dhahaha

And Holly, thank you for all those helpful links!!!
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Pyr Heaven September 05, 2007, 04:42:26 AM
Had a follow up with the new vet yesterday. She said he looks good. A pretty healthy dog! He should start catching up to what his weight should be in no time. His blood levels are normal. She says he seems like a normal pup now (with the exception of his haircut. hahaha)

Here's a pic of him at the park tonight!

: Re: All I can say is =(
: marypyrs September 05, 2007, 05:23:36 AM
And all I can say is AWWWWWW!!!!! He's so adorable and he's SO LUCKY to have you as his Mom!  :D He's a "Miracle Miles" that's for sure.  :-* :-* :-* ;)
: Re: All I can say is =(
: MollyGirl September 05, 2007, 03:30:19 PM
Poor Miles!! :( I totally missed this post.  I am so glad Miles is back!!! He has changed so much he is the same age a my Phoebe to the day, they grow so fast. Post more pictures of the little man.
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Sillygoose September 05, 2007, 04:29:32 PM
Well that is great news. ANd he is so cute. Growing fast too!
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: mama23+pyrs2 September 05, 2007, 04:34:11 PM
Growing entirely too fast! It's like replaying my life with my pups all over again! haha. I'm SO glad he is a healthy baby again. :-*
: Re: All I can say is =(
: Pyr Heaven September 05, 2007, 04:40:03 PM
Yes. He's getting to be a big boy!!

Maybe we'll have a nice photo session today or tomorrow.  :)
: Re: All I can say is =(
: zchic September 05, 2007, 05:15:48 PM
What a cutie! I am so glad to hear he is feeling better. :)
: Re: All I can say is =(
: London_Pyr_Lover September 05, 2007, 05:42:05 PM
Yay Miles!  I'm sooo glad he's back to being a healthy energetic pup!  Now time to put on some weight boy!  Bulk up for mommy!

He looks so cute in that last picture too.  I love the lights behind him.  It looks so pretty.   :D