Stephen and I just finished a Papa Johns pizza and a romantic comedy. Good distraction for the occasion. I took Travis in for fluids this morning and decided to try reviewing the case with a specialist. I was referred to Georgia Veterinary Specialists. Unfortunately, the next open appointment is next week, so the only way to get in the back door today was to go in as an emergency. It was quite exhausting. We sat in the waiting room forever and we sat in the exam room forever. I think I have determined that if I am not willing to put my dog through every possible test available and refinance my house to pay for it all that its probably not the hospital for me. They simply wouldn't listen to me. The estimate was ridiculous and padded with so many additional charges. My credit card was actually maxed out..... luckily I had another. Don't worry. For those offering to loan me money, thank you, but its not necessary. I too have excellent credit :-). I just think there is a point when all of the medical tests are about satisfying a human need to have an answer and to not feel guilty and less about the dog. I am ok with not knowing. If we get lucky and its an infection or a tick disease that responds to the antibiotics, then wonderful. Vet #4 said that if by some miracle the drugs did make him better, without all of the medical tests we would have no way of knowing which drug cured him. You know what? "I don't care."
Travis appears to have responded well to the fluids. He still LOVES to eat. He's perky and he looks good. He does not appear to be jaundice today. He is staying at the Georgia Veterinary Specialists ER tonight and part of tomorrow for fluids. Tomorrow I will have the catheter taken out and I will take him home. We are done with vets except for checking his bloodwork as needed. I have done some research on liver friendly diets. Eggs and cottage cheese will be on the menu. HE IS ON MILK THISTLE and other herbal support! Thank you to everyone who suggested milk thistle. And most importantly, Travis and I will play. We will do whatever he wants to. If anyone can pull off a miracle, Travis can. Everything he does is Never Expected. And if he doesn't, that's ok too. Travis has had an amazing life and I'm lucky to be apart of it.
Travis appears to have responded well to the fluids. He still LOVES to eat. He's perky and he looks good. He does not appear to be jaundice today. He is staying at the Georgia Veterinary Specialists ER tonight and part of tomorrow for fluids. Tomorrow I will have the catheter taken out and I will take him home. We are done with vets except for checking his bloodwork as needed. I have done some research on liver friendly diets. Eggs and cottage cheese will be on the menu. HE IS ON MILK THISTLE and other herbal support! Thank you to everyone who suggested milk thistle. And most importantly, Travis and I will play. We will do whatever he wants to. If anyone can pull off a miracle, Travis can. Everything he does is Never Expected. And if he doesn't, that's ok too. Travis has had an amazing life and I'm lucky to be apart of it. Thanks for all the nice comments and emails.
Time for Ben & Jerry's ice cream.....
