So took Minx (dog from what to feed ill dog who does not want to eat thread) back to the vet yesterday to get her staples out from her surgery. On Monday there was a small amount of fluid in her abdomen. Wed there is quite a bit more. Vet tapped her abdomen and got a little fluid out of her abdomen. It is very pussy which means that the stump or root of the abcess that they removed (couldnt remove the root, too many blood vessels and it is in a bad place) is leaking. Gave us the option of flushing it which would mean hospital stay, or putting a drain in, also hospital stay. Neither one would likely cure the problem as there is nothing to stop the leakage unless her body stops it on its own. The other option was to take her home and see how she does. We went with that option. She is home and not doing bad, but still no where near herself. She is being very picky about her food, will only eat certain treats and no form of regular dog food. But she is generally bright eyed and has started moving around more and even wants to come to the barn with me for brief periods. I think she is content and not in any major pain.
The vet did mention more surgery today, but even with the surgery she said the out come would prob not be good and Minx could die on the table due to all the blood vessels and it is near the aorta. I could not put her threw more surgery anyways. I do not feel it would be fair to her and plus the cost. Dont get me wrong, I would spare no expense if there was a guarantee of saving my girl's life. But with all the options we have there are no guarantees.
We will keep her at home for now. We have been watching her like hawks, and will take her back to the vet if anything goes wrong or she becomes too uncomfortable. There is a very very small chance that her body will stop the leakage and clean it up on its own. That is the miracle we are praying for. I just hope I have the strength to get through the waiting to see what will happen. If she can do it I guess so can I. Of course I dont think she has the anxiety and worry I do. As long as she is with me or my hubby all is right in her world. I know she will let me know if it is time for her to go, but for now I think she will hang in there!

So took Minx (dog from what to feed ill dog who does not want to eat thread) back to the vet yesterday to get her staples out from her surgery. On Monday there was a small amount of fluid in her abdomen. Wed there is quite a bit more. Vet tapped her abdomen and got a little fluid out of her abdomen. It is very pussy which means that the stump or root of the abcess that they removed (couldnt remove the root, too many blood vessels and it is in a bad place) is leaking. Gave us the option of flushing it which would mean hospital stay, or putting a drain in, also hospital stay. Neither one would likely cure the problem as there is nothing to stop the leakage unless her body stops it on its own. The other option was to take her home and see how she does. We went with that option. She is home and not doing bad, but still no where near herself. She is being very picky about her food, will only eat certain treats and no form of regular dog food. But she is generally bright eyed and has started moving around more and even wants to come to the barn with me for brief periods. I think she is content and not in any major pain.
The vet did mention more surgery today, but even with the surgery she said the out come would prob not be good and Minx could die on the table due to all the blood vessels and it is near the aorta. I could not put her threw more surgery anyways. I do not feel it would be fair to her and plus the cost. Dont get me wrong, I would spare no expense if there was a guarantee of saving my girl's life. But with all the options we have there are no guarantees.
We will keep her at home for now. We have been watching her like hawks, and will take her back to the vet if anything goes wrong or she becomes too uncomfortable. There is a very very small chance that her body will stop the leakage and clean it up on its own. That is the miracle we are praying for. I just hope I have the strength to get through the waiting to see what will happen. If she can do it I guess so can I. Of course I dont think she has the anxiety and worry I do. As long as she is with me or my hubby all is right in her world. I know she will let me know if it is time for her to go, but for now I think she will hang in there! You hang in there too! :huggy:

So took Minx (dog from what to feed ill dog who does not want to eat thread) back to the vet yesterday to get her staples out from her surgery. On Monday there was a small amount of fluid in her abdomen. Wed there is quite a bit more. Vet tapped her abdomen and got a little fluid out of her abdomen. It is very pussy which means that the stump or root of the abcess that they removed (couldnt remove the root, too many blood vessels and it is in a bad place) is leaking. Gave us the option of flushing it which would mean hospital stay, or putting a drain in, also hospital stay. Neither one would likely cure the problem as there is nothing to stop the leakage unless her body stops it on its own. The other option was to take her home and see how she does. We went with that option. She is home and not doing bad, but still no where near herself. She is being very picky about her food, will only eat certain treats and no form of regular dog food. But she is generally bright eyed and has started moving around more and even wants to come to the barn with me for brief periods. I think she is content and not in any major pain.
The vet did mention more surgery today, but even with the surgery she said the out come would prob not be good and Minx could die on the table due to all the blood vessels and it is near the aorta. I could not put her threw more surgery anyways. I do not feel it would be fair to her and plus the cost. Dont get me wrong, I would spare no expense if there was a guarantee of saving my girl's life. But with all the options we have there are no guarantees.
We will keep her at home for now. We have been watching her like hawks, and will take her back to the vet if anything goes wrong or she becomes too uncomfortable. There is a very very small chance that her body will stop the leakage and clean it up on its own. That is the miracle we are praying for. I just hope I have the strength to get through the waiting to see what will happen. If she can do it I guess so can I. Of course I dont think she has the anxiety and worry I do. As long as she is with me or my hubby all is right in her world. I know she will let me know if it is time for her to go, but for now I think she will hang in there!


You certainly do have my prayers. And I know many prayers from others. The Lord loves his animals. Always remember it.

I hate playing the waiting game, been there done that. :bawl: You and Minx are in my thoughts.
From dealing with two passing within the past three months my only advice is enjoy her! Don't dwell on what could happen I am sure they feel that anxiety. Make her what she will eat, spoil her and cuddle lots. :huggy:

I hate playing the waiting game, been there done that. :bawl: You and Minx are in my thoughts.
From dealing with two passing within the past three months my only advice is enjoy her! Don't dwell on what could happen I am sure they feel that anxiety. Make her what she will eat, spoil her and cuddle lots. :huggy:

:yeahthat:

Sorry your pup isnt feeling well. Hope Minx gets better real soon. Thoughts and prayers to all.

Wirelessly posted

:huggy:

Thanks guys. Luckily I work here at the farm/home and I am able to spend every spare moment with her. Trying to enjoy what time I do have with her. She is such a calming presence. We are both curled up on the couch now waiting for dinner to cook. She is a very special girl and a strong willed one too. She seems so human sometimes. I swear she can talk with her eyes. I looked at her in the truck yesterday heading home from the vets and I swear her eyes said, "lets get home already" and she def has the "gimme the food!" eyes down, though she hasnt used that one lately.

Thanks guys. Luckily I work here at the farm/home and I am able to spend every spare moment with her. Trying to enjoy what time I do have with her. She is such a calming presence. We are both curled up on the couch now waiting for dinner to cook. She is a very special girl and a strong willed one too. She seems so human sometimes. I swear she can talk with her eyes. I looked at her in the truck yesterday heading home from the vets and I swear her eyes said, "lets get home already" and she def has the "gimme the food!" eyes down, though she hasnt used that one lately.

Sounds like she is lucky to have you as her person.

Did you post a photo of her? How old is she?

Internl wounds and infections can take time to heal...give her that time and love her every second.

Animals have special ways of dealing with illness, and their ability to heal and be "over it" make one envious!!

Hugs and prayers!!! :huggy:

..and here to that special Doggie miracle!!! :buddies:

Prayers and hugs for both of you. Glad you get to spend so much time with Minx. Hoping your miracle comes thru!!

Sorry about Minx. I'll be thinking about you and hoping for the best.

Minx is an 11 year old cocker spaniel. Her age seems pretty up there to most people but not me. My parents have been breeding cockers for over 30 years and most of our cockers live to 16 or more, some even 18 and one made it to 20. Prior to this Minx was a very healthy dog who maybe slightly past her prime still had plenty of get up and go, followed me everywhere around the farm and would chase a ball nearly endlessly. Very hard to see my dog, who was totally healthy a week and a half ago, like this. But I dont think she is ready to give up yet.
I know I have posted a pic or two on here before. Will see if I can figure it out again.

I love cocker spaniels. Grew up with them and my mom had a few after I left. I hope Minx (and you) gets her miracle. Sounds like she is a fighter. :huggy:

Thoughts out to your pup!

Minx is an 11 year old cocker spaniel. Her age seems pretty up there to most people but not me. My parents have been breeding cockers for over 30 years and most of our cockers live to 16 or more, some even 18 and one made it to 20. Prior to this Minx was a very healthy dog who maybe slightly past her prime still had plenty of get up and go, followed me everywhere around the farm and would chase a ball nearly endlessly. Very hard to see my dog, who was totally healthy a week and a half ago, like this. But I dont think she is ready to give up yet.
I know I have posted a pic or two on here before. Will see if I can figure it out again.


:huggy: As long as you don't give up on her she won't give up on you untill she knows that you are ready for her to watch over you in the sky!!

Im so sorry you and your pup are going through this. Sending hugs to ya'll.

Went to vets this am to pick up more meds and happened to take Minx and her daughter Melody with us. Vet checked on Minx and thought she felt less fuid in her abdomen so she did another ultrasound. About the same amount of fluid..no better no worse. So at least the stump may have stopped leaking,possibly. Another appointment later next week, if all goes well until then. Lets hope the leak has stopped and maybe he body will reabsorb some of the fluid.

Went to vets this am to pick up more meds and happened to take Minx and her daughter Melody with us. Vet checked on Minx and thought she felt less fuid in her abdomen so she did another ultrasound. About the same amount of fluid..no better no worse. So at least the stump may have stopped leaking,possibly. Another appointment later next week, if all goes well until then. Lets hope the leak has stopped and maybe he body will reabsorb some of the fluid.

YAY!!:yahoo:
But this is better!! No more fluid is a good thing!
You hang in there!
Dogs are mysterious and magical healers!!!

Still praying for a good outcome!
:huggy:

Went to vets this am to pick up more meds and happened to take Minx and her daughter Melody with us. Vet checked on Minx and thought she felt less fuid in her abdomen so she did another ultrasound. About the same amount of fluid..no better no worse. So at least the stump may have stopped leaking,possibly. Another appointment later next week, if all goes well until then. Lets hope the leak has stopped and maybe he body will reabsorb some of the fluid.
How is she doing today? I hope that it IS good news!!

She is still hanging in there. Thought we were going to have a rough night last night, but I think it was more me immagining things. No improvement in her apetite or energy level. She has her good periods where she wants to come to the barn with me for very short periods of time and even wants to play fetch. Most of the time she is just very tired. I try to let her rest as much as possible, but if she wants to move around the vet said that is fine. If all goes well till Thursday we go back to the vet to have her abdomen flushed and get some of the fluid out. Hopefully the stump is not leaking any more. I do worry that the flushing may get the stump leaking again, if it has stopped. But I also know that the fluid cant stay in her abdomen. I guess that she has hung in there for this long is good. I would def liek to see some improvement though esp in her apetite. It is very hard to find anything she will eat. And it is different each day. One day she will nibble some chicken, another a little hamburger...We kind of have a Minxy buffet going on. What will she eat today?? This is a dog that prior to this would eat ANYthing food like. She totally turns her nose up at yummy canned/wet food and most other yummy dog treats now. Like I mentioned before, its like she wants to eat the stuff, but it tastes bad to her. I feel bad for the poor girl. Wonder if it is mostly the antibiotics she is on? On a good note she (knock on wood) hasnt thrown up in the past couple days!

Minx is an 11 year old cocker spaniel. Her age seems pretty up there to most people but not me. My parents have been breeding cockers for over 30 years and most of our cockers live to 16 or more, some even 18 and one made it to 20. Prior to this Minx was a very healthy dog who maybe slightly past her prime still had plenty of get up and go, followed me everywhere around the farm and would chase a ball nearly endlessly. Very hard to see my dog, who was totally healthy a week and a half ago, like this. But I dont think she is ready to give up yet.
I know I have posted a pic or two on here before. Will see if I can figure it out again.

Poor little girl, hope all turns out well. She looks so sweet. She reminds me of my granddog King. He's a black cocker. T & P for you and Minx.

She is still hanging in there. Thought we were going to have a rough night last night, but I think it was more me immagining things. No improvement in her apetite or energy level. She has her good periods where she wants to come to the barn with me for very short periods of time and even wants to play fetch. Most of the time she is just very tired. I try to let her rest as much as possible, but if she wants to move around the vet said that is fine. If all goes well till Thursday we go back to the vet to have her abdomen flushed and get some of the fluid out. Hopefully the stump is not leaking any more. I do worry that the flushing may get the stump leaking again, if it has stopped. But I also know that the fluid cant stay in her abdomen. I guess that she has hung in there for this long is good. I would def liek to see some improvement though esp in her apetite. It is very hard to find anything she will eat. And it is different each day. One day she will nibble some chicken, another a little hamburger...We kind of have a Minxy buffet going on. What will she eat today?? This is a dog that prior to this would eat ANYthing food like. She totally turns her nose up at yummy canned/wet food and most other yummy dog treats now. Like I mentioned before, its like she wants to eat the stuff, but it tastes bad to her. I feel bad for the poor girl. Wonder if it is mostly the antibiotics she is on? On a good note she (knock on wood) hasnt thrown up in the past couple days! I am not a Vet, but I do think the antibiotics are the culprit. Thanks for keeping us up to date, and good luck.

Internal wounds (wet wounds) take a long time to heal! They ooze from the wound site for what seems like ages!
She sounds like she is getting better, in her "doggy" time, not your time.
Try heating the food so it "smells" yummy to her. (works with cats, should work with dogs!)

Keep up the good work and I agree w/ Roman about the antibiotics!

Hang in there!!! :huggy:

Internal wounds (wet wounds) take a long time to heal! They ooze from the wound site for what seems like ages!
She sounds like she is getting better, in her "doggy" time, not your time.
Try heating the food so it "smells" yummy to her. (works with cats, should work with dogs!)

Keep up the good work and I agree w/ Roman about the antibiotics!

Hang in there!!! :huggy:

yeah try heating the food as it makes it smell good to them..I do it with my dogs wetfood and mix her dry in it and she goes to town and eats the whole bowl in one sitting.

Have tried heating the food. Partly to get her low body temp up.99.9% of the time it does not help. :(

I know that some people might think I'm nuts for writing this, but...my dog goes CRAZY over wet Cat Food in Gravy. Not that I give it to her, as she steals the Cats food at times. Being that your Pup is not eating too well, maybe just ONCE..give her a warmed up portion. Let her have at it. Also, if she is on antibiotics still, ask the Vet to give you something to stimulate her appetite, or something to replace the good bacterial flora in her digestive system. If her stomach as not accumulated anymore Fluid, ask if you can take her off the antibiotic, to let her own Immune System kick in. Sometimes, the cure is worse than the disease. She needs to eat in order to heal properly. You are such a GOOD Dog Mom.

One thing I have found that she will eat is dry cat food. She doesnt eat much of it but will nibble it occasionally. Vet said go for it if she will eat it. Going to ask about an appetite stimulant. Would love to get her off of these antibiotics! The one is buffered and has some sort of tummy calmer in it, but the other I think has been making her tummy upset from day 1.

I think the coating on the Pill only allows for it to not be digested all at once, or it prevents it from irritating the stomach. An anitemetic actually calms the digestive tract only to the point that prevents nausea. My Pup had a not so nice reaction to the anesthesia they gave her for spay. She couldn't even hold water down! They gave her a shot of Phenergrin (I think), and some Pepcid. She was just like new immediately after that, and ate like a PIG! Your Vet knows what's best for your dog, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. When is her last dose of medicine?

The meds seem neverending. I have enough till our appointment on thurs, have a feeling I will have to get more. But I guess that depends on how the fluid is.

Minx seems to be feeling a bit better tonight. No where near 100%but she did eat some puppy chow and hamburger. She stared at us while we ate dinner which she has not done since this mess started. Now if she starts talking to\growling at hubby when he finishes his dinner I'll be thrilled. She was also grooming herself a little tonight, instead of passing out a 8:00 like she has been. She has always groomed,licked,scratched herself for many hours each night,which she hasn't been doing. It as nice to have just a tiny little Minxy normalcy tonight! I miss my girl and all her normal annoying and sometimes funny habbits.

Great

Minx seems to be feeling a bit better tonight. No where near 100%but she did eat some puppy chow and hamburger. She stared at us while we ate dinner which she has not done since this mess started. Now if she starts talking to\growling at hubby when he finishes his dinner I'll be thrilled. She was also grooming herself a little tonight, instead of passing out a 8:00 like she has been. She has always groomed,licked,scratched herself for many hours each night,which she hasn't been doing. It as nice to have just a tiny little Minxy normalcy tonight! I miss my girl and all her normal annoying and sometimes funny habbits.

Little steps..little doggie steps....it is all good!!!!
Animals heal in thier own way, in their own time!
Looking forward to the Vet report tomorrow!!:buddies:

We are doing better and better. And I do mean we. Now that she is feeling a bit better I am not worrying myself sick. Still thinking there is fluid in her abdomen. Will prob have to do another ultrasound to fnd out. She has to stay on the antibiotics till she is 100% better..not sure I remember what her normal is anymore lol. Hopefully she will continue to improve!

We are doing better and better. And I do mean we. Now that she is feeling a bit better I am not worrying myself sick. Still thinking there is fluid in her abdomen. Will prob have to do another ultrasound to fnd out. She has to stay on the antibiotics till she is 100% better..not sure I remember what her normal is anymore lol. Hopefully she will continue to improve!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!:yahoo:

:bann:

One doggie day at a time!!! She has been to heck and back and it will tkae time..but so glad she is getting better!!!!!! :huggy:

Today, she goes back to the Vet. I hope that you lets us know what happened there. When I get home today, I hope to see GREAT NEWS!! :bann:

Her abdomen flush has ben cancelled. I just have to go pick up more pills. If the vet is handy I will have her take a look at Minx and see what she thinks.

Ask about some Pepcid, or Acidolfilis (SP) for her gut! Good luck. Why has the flush been cancelled?

Her abdomen flush has ben cancelled. I just have to go pick up more pills. If the vet is handy I will have her take a look at Minx and see what she thinks.

The less invasive, the better!! :bann:

The less invasive, the better!! :bann:

Flush was cancelled because it might not be necessary. Since she is doing better her body may just reabsorb the fluid. We go back for an ultrasound on Monday to check the fluid level. I was/am very worried that if the stump has stopped leaking that going in there and flushing it might reagravate it. If the fluid has not decreased on monday we will prob flush. I was really hoping that our vet would be in when we picked up pills today but she had a farm call.
Minx is currently on Zantac to help her tummy. (No pukies the past few days and her appetite is nearly 100%)

Flush was cancelled because it might not be necessary. Since she is doing better her body may just reabsorb the fluid. We go back for an ultrasound on Monday to check the fluid level. I was/am very worried that if the stump has stopped leaking that going in there and flushing it might reagravate it. If the fluid has not decreased on monday we will prob flush. I was really hoping that our vet would be in when we picked up pills today but she had a farm call.
Minx is currently on Zantac to help her tummy. (No pukies the past few days and her appetite is nearly 100%)
That is great news Eventer! Keep us posted, as we all think of Minx.

Flush was cancelled because it might not be necessary. Since she is doing better her body may just reabsorb the fluid. We go back for an ultrasound on Monday to check the fluid level. I was/am very worried that if the stump has stopped leaking that going in there and flushing it might reagravate it. If the fluid has not decreased on monday we will prob flush. I was really hoping that our vet would be in when we picked up pills today but she had a farm call.
Minx is currently on Zantac to help her tummy. (No pukies the past few days and her appetite is nearly 100%)

Glad all is getting better with you guys! It was really great to meet you today, and thanks again.....

It was great meeting you too!

Minx is doing great! Had our appointment on Monday, and NO fluid in her abdomen! She is back to acting herself as well. We rechecked her blood and the white cell count has gone back up pretty high. So still on antibiotics. We go back in next week to check the blood again. Hopefully it was a rise in white cells due to getting rid of that fluid.
Prior to getting the results from the bloodwork back the vet told one of the techs who asked how Minx was that she is a true miracle dog. Hopefully the high white count is nothing and my girl is all better. Glad to have my girl back and being her quirky self again. I almost cried the first time she growled/talked to my hubby when he set his dinner plate down. He almost always saves her a little tidbit of meat, and she lets him know that she knows he is holding out on her by "talking" to him. (He encourages her)

Excellent news Minx

Great news!!!!:yahoo:


Yup..just think of the ole Packman game...an ARMY of white blood cells eating up all those germs!! When the battle is over, the Army will go back to the "Fort" to wait for another invasion. Yay for those white cells!!! :bann:

That is fantastic news for the Family, and Minx. I hope to hear the WBC Count is way down at the next visit. Give Minx a hug for ALL of us!!

Woo Hoo! I'm so glad things have gotten better.

I guess we can officially call Minx a Miracle Dog now! She got a clean bill of health today!! Vet said to continue to watch her like a hawk, but she is feeling great! Back to her old self, rolling in dirt, eating horse poo, chasing tennis balls and licking her daughter!( among all her other strange habbits) Thanks for the prayers and support!

wow that is great

I guess we can officially call Minx a Miracle Dog now! She got a clean bill of health today!! Vet said to continue to watch her like a hawk, but she is feeling great! Back to her old self, rolling in dirt, eating horse poo, chasing tennis balls and licking her daughter!( among all her other strange habbits) Thanks for the prayers and support!

Ya couldn't ask for any better!!! Job Well Done in caring for her and never giving up!!!♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥