My baby Z

[Kat]

My corgi mix “Z” is 7 years old and just started feeling sluggish on 8/24, the morning of 8/25 he could not stand on his own and started urinating an orange color I then rushed him to our vet where he was diagnosed with IAHA with a pvc of 19, he had turned pale and heart rate was racing with bounding pulse. He was put on fluids and Prednisone along with doxy. My vet then advised me it would be best for him to be taken to the er, I was hesitant at first as I trust my vet with him. I arrived at er and they checked me in and informed me that they will call with any changes as they were going to keep him on fluids and medications. I called and got an update a couple hours and was told resting comfortably. Then I call again 5 hours later and was told that his pcv dropped to 14.5….I was not notified as we discussed of it fell below 17 we will do the blood transfusion. At this time he was being transferred back to his primary vet on several different medications and now I am at a point of not knowing what to do. We only have 1 animal er here and I have just had a terrible experience with them. Can he come through with supportive care and medications? I can’t think straight anymore and completely at a loss on what decisions to make.

[Patrice]

Kat,
Oh dear I am so sorry to read this about Z.
I am not sure why the emergency hospital wants to transfer him back to your vet.

Call your vet office now and ask to speak to one of the vet techs. Be calm, polite and ask specific questions such as does the vet know the emergency hospital is transferring Z back, are they prepared to do a transfusion, can you come to the clinic and wait?

Do you remember Z ever needing a transfusion before? The vet needs to know this so they can use the proper blood type if he has.

We’ve seen dogs recover from very low PCV before, though you may need 1 or 2 more transfusions.

Ask if they will protect him from improper clotting. This is a risk right now that they should address immediately with some form of anticlotting medication such as low dose aspirin or heparin.

At all times be calm and polite. They know how upset you are, but they need to get their jobs done. If you remain quiet they will let you stay.

Let us know what is happening.
My best Patrice

[Kat]

Z is such a fighter, he is at his regular vet and blessed their hearts they are doing everything in their power to help them including the technicians I’m so grateful to have them. He had a transfusion yesterday and I brought him home to care for him through the night. He is very weak and can walk around for a minute or so before he is out of energy, he is sleeping a lot and drinking small amount of water unfortunately I cannot get him to eat. He is back at his vet this morning so they can run the PCV and be monitored during the day by them. I’m optimistic but not losing hope. I’m so proud of my little boy for being so brave and fighting so hard. Thank you everyone for your support and showing you care!!

[Vally]

Hi Kat, I’m sorry you’ve had to come looking for help because I know how worried you are right now. We’ve been there too.

The first days are terrible, and the medications will make Z look even worse, but let the meds do what they have to do.

Call out if you need help or just want to cry or rant, we’re here.

Vally.

[Kat]

Hello…Just wanted to let you all know that Z lost his battle today and is resting peacefully now. Thank you for all your support and advice.

[Patrice]

Dear Kat,
I am so sad to hear this. I felt so optimistic that your vet was doing everything to help.

I know that you did everything you could possibly do. Please have no regrets, don’t be hard on yourself.

But Z, if he could have found a way to tell you, would want you to not be sad. He would wish for you to run around really fast in the grass, roll around on your back, get a cold drink and take a nap under a tree.

In time the rough edges of grief will smooth over and only good memories will be with you. We are always here to listen when you need someone who understands.

My deepest sympathy,
Patrice

[Vally]

Oh Kat, I’m so sorry to read this. This is a horrible disease that hits so hard and so fast, and sometimes it just can’t be beaten.

When you feel ready, you might like to go to this page and have a read. I know it will help you, or maybe come back in a few days to have a read.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/the-bridge

My condolences.
Vally