Vibes for Brody, Please

squirtle

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Brody has not been doing very well for the past several days. He began to lose his appetite last week on Thursday. I noticed Friday morning when I went to fill up his food bowl that he had not even eaten half of his food from the day before. I thought that maybe the heat was getting to him so I didn't worry too much. His overall attitude seemed to be ok at that point. He was still playful and remained that way through Sunday evening. My fiancÃ[emoji]169[/emoji]'s son was with us for the weekend, who Brody adores. When he left to go home Brody seemed to go into a deep depression. It started with him crying at the front door, and then spending the remainder of the evening laying on the day bed looking at the wall with his back to us. I tried to cheer him up and encourage him to play. I even tried snuggling with him and rubbing his tummy, which he loves, but got no reaction from him. That same evening I woke up because I heard him in the office. His tummy was upset and he was sick with diarrhea. I was up several times with him that night

Yesterday morning when we got up he seemed to be feeling a bit better. He was a little more active, and seemed to enjoy cuddles and even ate a bit of his food. I had planned to get him a vet appt, but with the improvement thought it might not be needed. I went home at lunchtime yesterday and he seemed even better. I went back to work and felt comfortable that he was going to be ok.... When I returned home from work yesterday I opened the sliding glass door to let him out as I normally do. He stepped down on to the step and seemed a little woozy for a moment. He sat down, and then fell over. I freaked out and thought he was dead
I screamed for my fiancÃ[emoji]169[/emoji] to come outside. I sat down next to Brody and within seconds he woke back up. His mouth was foamy, but he stood up. I carried him outside to the grass so he could use the bathroom. He did and then ran back to the door and acted like nothing had happened. I got him to eat dinner last night by pouring some of the gravy from our pot roast over his food. He loved it, and ate a little over half of what he normally does. He still seems a little mopey and sad though. This morning all he wanted to do was snuggle in bed with us. I had a hard time getting him to walk outside

I called his vet this morning who really wasn't much help. They blamed it on the heart worms and said he needs his treatment, but I don't think he can make it through the treatment. His vet wants to give him the older treatment that contains the arsenic. He mentioned a while back when Brody had Kennel cough that he wouldn't be strong enough for a month to even begin the Heartguard... If the kennel cough was enough to put off the prevention pills, why would it all of a sudden be safe now to give him the full blown treatment. I have a vet chosen for a second opinion and am calling them at 9:00 this morning for an appointment.
Please, if you can spare any vibes for my boy I would appreciate it. I really don't want him to die
 

miss mew

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Sending many prayers for your dearest Brody. I think the 2nd opinion is a great idea, and I hope that he is able to shed some light on what is causing this.
 

plebayo

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I think the second oppinion is greatly needed. Heartworm is horrible to deal with, I hope the second vet gives you better advice.

I'm sending lots of get well vibes!
 

dawnofsierra

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I'm so sorry you're going through this will your little boy who has widdled his cute little way into your heart. You know I'm praying for him and my heart is with you.
 

pombina

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Tanya how awful for you

I knew Brody had heart worms but I don't know much about them, I didn't realise they could be fatal?
Nobody needs to tell you to do the right thing because you are already doing it in getting a second opinion, you obviously have a lot of love for Brody he is a lucky baby.
Let us know how you get on
 

jamasmom

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I thinks it's smart to get a second opinion. I am sending prayers and {{{{{{Get Well Vibes to Brody}}}}}}
 

murfins

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A second opinion is a great idea. If you don't mind my asking - when was he diagnosed with heart worms? What level did they put him at? Did you just recently adopt him (you mentioned kennel cough which is so common with shelter dogs)?

I am sending the little cutie lots of love and positive healing thoughts.

*hugs* to you, I can imagine how worried you must be.
 

sar

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Oh Tanya!


You're definitely on track with a second opinion! I hope you're able to get the right treatment and information to get Brody back to tip top shape!

Sending many }}}VIBES{{{ and
to you both!
 
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squirtle

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I just found this:

http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/hw.html

One of the most severe signs of heartworm is called Caval Syndrome or Vena Cava Syndrome. This is seen when there are large numbers of adult worms (usually around 100 or more) in the heart. There is almost complete blockage of all blood flow. Many times there will be no signs of heart disease prior to the animalâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s collapse. When fainting and collapse does occurred it is accompanied by severe shock, red blood cell destruction, and often death within 1-2 days. Sometimes the only chance for survival in these cases is for the veterinarian to surgically remove the worms from the heart through the jugular vein. If enough worms can be removed to re-establish sufficient blood flow, there is some chance of survival

 

xocats

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Oh Tanya...
Darling Brody will remain in my thoughts & prayers as you move toward some really difficult decisions.
Bless you both.
 
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squirtle

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I just want to search all over the place to find a miracle for him. I am going home at lunch time to be with him. I am thinking of just taking him to that vet's office to wait for the doctor to have a spare moment to see him. I know they told me to bring him on Friday, but I feel like I am doing nothing for him. I have such a bad feeling about it all.

I am sitting here at work, and I know if I have to talk I am going to burst out into tears. I am going to take lunch at 11:00.. If I can just make it 30 more minutes...
 

murfins

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Were you able to get him in to see another vet today?

Just so you know, I don't know how familiar you are with treatments in dogs but I've seen TONS of dogs successfully treated for heartworms, including dogs with heavy infestations.

The key is keeping the dog calm as the worms work their way out of the heart.

Dogs are incredibly tough and I think Brody, with your love and support, has a good chance if he can be treated asap.
 

arlyn

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You can beat this Brody!

Hopefully your new vet will be a perfect match for you.
 

pat

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I'll be thinking of you both today, and sending many positive vibes for Brody (dang that photo you posted, I've fallen in love with that face...)
 
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