Friday

Dino's Third Miracle...

8 August 2007.



It was a lovely morning, as usually, I had an early class in the morning. Just before Dr. Rashid stepped in, sister called by phone. She asked me when is the earliest operation time of a vet clinic? Of course, out of curious, i asked, what happened to our doggies? Then only she broke down and answered, Dino was drooling excessively, non-stop and was not able to stand and walk properly, weak. It was really a very big shock, that I burst out, and ran out from the lecture hall for better reception of network and clearer conversation. I heard mummy muttering, "Dino is going to die, Dino is going to die..."... my heart clenched..... it can't be, he may be old, but he has been doing very well since well, survived from 2 miracles before, he is doing just fine!

We were suspecting ivermectin toxicosis. Dino and Kiro had been on this medication due to Demodecosis, mite infestation. The drug was given gradually increased dosage over the last 2 weeks, and the nite before, a slight increase of dosage was given. Hypersalivation, weakness, pale, and so on are all signs of the toxicosis.




Another 45 minutes before any vet clinic running on business, I called Dr. Chua for help. He suggested some emergency approaches to be done at home before sending Dino to clinic: activated charcoal to absorb toxic in stomach. Damn! we don't have such thing in the house!

I called Ah Bee, to ask whether he is on shift in the petshop today, to ask him to go my house to fetch my dog to the clinic. He was already on the way rushing to shop when I was calling him. At the same time, on the other hand, my family get set to send my Dino over. And I, being at hundreds of miles away, can only get contacts with them via phone....






Dino was hospitalised, he was on fluid therapy, to flush the toxic out and to rehydrate him after massive drooling episodes. He was unable to support himself up since then, lying weakly on the floor, panting excessively as if he was having breathing difficulty.


And blood sample was taken for hematological analysis. Treatment given for that day was all just supportive. Dino was able to eat that evening when sister brought him meal from home.


He was fractious to strangers, so he was with muzzle all the time, and only sister can take it off during meal time, for safety precaution of the working personnels there, although Dino was just too weak to move to harm anybody, just in case, who knows.


According to description on Dino, he was very pale, no color at all on the mucous membrane, panting all the time even when he was lying down.

Since the prognosis was not very good, I was dead worried that Dino might just be gone anytime without me around with him! I couldn't do anything for him so far apart!!!


And the next day, the blood result came out: Anemia, hyperglycemia (suspecting diabetes mellitus due to old age), hyperproteinemia (suspecting Cushing disease and hyperthyroidism), hypercholestrolemia, hyperbilirubinemia (due to hemorhage in liver by ivermectin toxicosis), low platlet count..... and on-going problem beside these: murmuring heart sound (due to pulmonary edema compressing heart from pumping efficiently), pulmonary edema (due to hyperproteinemia), leading to fast heart beat and panting.


That day, Dino was just too weak to eat.


Since Dino is 9 years old, old aged dog, prognosis is poor with so many on-going problems. Everything just depend on his will power.


The third day of hospitalisation, Dino was doing quite well. For us, not getting worse was just fine anyway. He was able to stand and finish all his meal that evening.





The fifth day morning, Dino was discharged, and he has no longer required to be on fluid anymore. He can walk by its own slowly, drink and eat.


He will need liver supplement from now on.


And he has been progressing very well since then until today =)


That's a really great relief. For 2 days, I've been crying alot for fear that Dino might just leave me like that. I've always wanted to become a vet to take care of Dino's health that I do not want him to leave me before I am able to do so!!!


Dino, you're the greatest dog ever. I knew you could overcome this and you did! It was the 3rd miracle you've shown us! And we know how strong the will you have to live on! I wish you can live for a few more years, 9 years are still too short for a lovely dog like you to stay with us.... ^_^

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