Heartworms Part 4

[Jennifer]

Thought I'd start another one...

Rena - How is Kibby doing? Is she staying in the crate any better? Hopefully she didn't have her morning cough today and is still doing great.

In the last 48 hours, Betty has become her wide open self. She has more enegry than I have ever seen her have. She had improved alot since she got over the Day 7 stuff, but it wasn't until the last couple days when she's gotten so much energy that I've realized that she hasn't been her full self for the past few weeks (since we only had a few weeks before we started the hw and she got spayed during that time)

We are so glad to see her feeling good. But, we still have to keep her calm for 10 more days. She was able to be out of the crate some because she would calmly lay on the blanket or the couch or stay on our lap. But now, she's back in the crate, cuz she won't stay still for anything. She wants to run like the wind (and will even start running and trying to pull me on the leash). I can't even give her a treat because she gets so excited that she does the treat dance all over the kitchen. So, she is on strict confinement now and she is really not happy about this it all (I can see her saying "Mom, I finally feel better and you won't let me play).

Next Monday I take her in for her oral treatment for the baby worms. Then on the Wednedsay before Turkey Day I take her to get her heartworm test. Hopefully it will be negative and we will something extra special to be thankful about. It will also be Oscars 12th birthday. So, I think we are going to have a party to celebrate both of these milestones.

[TessieMom]

Miss Kibby still gets the cough if she tries to move too fast, starts yipping, or bouncing. All of which she wants to do in the crate. As long as she is on my lap, she will sleep. This is not an ideal situation when I have to teach. Yesterday, she slept through a faculty meeting and most of a History of Geology class that has grad student presentations. Today, she helped teach Paleontology (I finally gave my lecture from a sitting position and she went to sleep). She had a sitter for my freshman oceans class... now she has finally crashed in the crate. Last night she was out like a light after dinner (it's the turkey). Sort of wish she would have less energy right now! Understand your problem with Betty. Her other problem is that since Pablo died, she has bonded to me so closely that she does not want me out of her sight. Rena

[dutchman]

It's great to hear both Kibby and Betty are doing well. So Renal do you think you will be able to give up little Kibby after going through so much with her? I'm sure you are right about her staying so fight because she misses Pablo. It sound like their forever parents great little companions.

Tom and the boys sending our best wishes for negative HW test results.

[Mark]

I agree with Tom . . . that is good to hear and we are sending continued RAYZ!

Mark, Char, the girls and big boy

[~Jen~]

Hope Miss Kibby is doing well today...

Mega Rayzzzzzzzzzzzzzz comming your way!! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Jen

[TessieMom]

Miss Kibby is finally getting tired ... she is right beside me. Had to leave her in a crate at home for a couple hours while I went for a med checkup. As far as whether she will find a new home when we get her through all this, it is up to her. First, we are taking each day at a time and making sure she gets well. Right now she is only interested in following me around and she gets upset when I leave her with anyone else. She has gotten lots of pets from everyone, but just keeps walking. When Pablo was around, he would take up with everyone and so would she, but that is not the case right now. I have to go to a couple conventions in the next two weeks and I am afraid she will have to stay at the vet's again to ensure that she behaves, after that, she may not be speaking to me. Rena

[TessieMom]

Almost exactly an hour after I posted last night, Miss Kibby decided to be sick... Refused to move, no interest in food, threw up, and lots of coughing. Finally got some food down her...that stayed down, but she coughed until 3:30 this morning. Today, she is very lethargic. Went to the vet and got a steroid shot for the congestion in her lungs, but hopefully she will be able to come home tonight and get some serious snuggling. The weather is very wet, which I am sure does not help. Rena

[dutchman]

Come on Kibby girl, Rena needs you back home for some more of your kisses and hugs. We hope this is only a minor setback and that Kibby will soon be back in your caring arms.

Tom and the boys sending our rays and some Colorado dry air.

[Jennifer]

Sending many rays for Kibby. And many hugs for you Rena. I hope that Kibby is home in your arms now.

We've had no rain for a month and have plenty of dry air. So, I'll send some of this dry NC air out to Texas for you.

Oh, Betty said to tell you that she thinks that Kibby would like cheese and liver and ice cream (Breyers Strawberry Shortcake is her favorite).

Jennifer

[Oscar's Mom]

Oh, I'm sorry Kibby got sick. I hope she home with you tonight for lots of snuggling.

[TessieMom]

Miss Kibby is home and very well fed. Ate almost a can of food and 1 1/2 cup of dry food. She is on antibiotics again, but the cough seems to be gone, appetite is back and serious snoozing is taking place. Her vet said we could expect another 6 to 8 weeks of limited activity, so it is looking more like Christmas before she can run with the other girls. Am helping transport 3 boys tomorrow and if we can't find another home, I may foster one of them just to add to the confusion. Promised the vet that these guys are supposed to be heartworm negative. Thanks again for the rays. Rena

[dutchman]

Hi Rena,

Sounds like little Miss Kibby will be a handful come Christmas. Forget wrapping any presents by that time she will be more than ready to tear into anything she can get her mouth on.

Best wishes for continuing improvements.

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[Roxane]

Rena, good news, and remember every day brings us that much closer to the holidays when, hopefully, all the little heartworm victims will be well.
Jennifer, after the drought, there are finally soft showers. Will send them across the state to you.
Roxane and crew

[TessieMom]

Miss Kibby has a temporary buddy until we can get him in for treatment. I picked up the 3 boys this morning, but instead of having 3 HW negative dogs, there were only two and the foster home they were going to wouldn't take the HW + guy. They took the other two, but Mr. Rusty, who is a younger version of Pablo, is staying with us until he can go back south where they will take care of his treatment at no charge. Kibby says he's okay until he tries to steal her lap. Guess we will get off the computer so I can find out whether he has a ride south. Thanks again for all the wishes, Rena

[dutchman]

So Rena, you just can't let you little group get too small<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm32.gif" border=0> , Another HW positive doggie<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm4.gif" border=0> it's hard to understand why so many people refuse to use a preventative. I know there is some cost involved annual testing plus the cost of the preventative itself (my boys just got their last treats of the year, don't tell them they medicine), Glad to hear Kibby is feeling better. And just in case I haven't already thanked you I want to to give you and all those who sacrifice so much time and personal finances to help so many of our little buddies find new forever homes.

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[TessieMom]

Rusty, the temporary foster is headed back south tomorrow to another foster home for his treatment. Miss Kibby is not responding too well to excess excitement, she refused to eat again tonight, so we are back on the rollar coaster. The guy is a sweetheart and I know that Christine will do wonders for him. Part of my problem is that I have to go to back to back conventions next week, so Miss Kibby will have to board again and I will be worried about her the whole time (not to mention my 3 other girls). Thanks again, Rena

[Jennifer]

I really hope that Miss Kibby is feeling better and that Rusty is on his way to his new foster home. Bless you for being so willing to open your home and your heart to so many doggies.

Sending many days your way.

[TessieMom]

Kibby is really tired right now. She was not happy being left in the crate by herself this morning while I drove Rusty to his new foster home. I did get her picture into the Dachsie album today before tessie stole her frog. Think she is just wiped out from excessive complaining. Will try to talk her into food in a little while. Rena

[dutchman]

Hi Rena,

I hope Miss Kibby is back to eating now that things have settled back down for a little while. Try not to worry too much about the trips you have to make. It sounds like your vet's do a good job with her.

Best wishes and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[Jennifer]

Sending my daily does of rays to Miss Kibby. I hope you have a good trip. Try not to worry about her too much. It sounds like you have a really good vet. And I know that she will know that you will come back to get her.

[Jennifer]

Well, it has been six weeks since I first took Betty in for the first hw treatment. I take her back tommorrow morning for the oral treatment to kill the baby worms. It is equivlant to giving her 10 heartguards.

I'm a little nervous about the treatment. There are some risks in this part of the treatment, but apparantly a lot less risky than the first treatment. So, if anyone has any spare rays, send them on to NC tommorrow morning.

Then next Wednesday, I take Betty in for her heartworm test and she will get started on preventative. I can't wait until next Wednesday.

[Jennifer]

Well, I just got back from the vet. He gave Betty the oral medicine. He said that she would not feel good today, but should be back to normal today. She seemed OK on the way home and ate breakfast when we got home just fine. I'm now at work, but my mother in law is going to check on her during the day today.

Found out that she has lost 2 much needed pounds in the past 6 weeks. The vet said that she is now at an ideal weight.

[dutchman]

Jennifer,

So is Betty writing her diet book. Of course I don't think our little guys are or so vane about their weight that they would want to get hear worms just to loose a couple of pounds. Now if we were talking people you might have a best seller.

So when will Betty get her final test to make sure she is rid of the worms?

Best Wishes,

Tom and the boys

[Jennifer]

She will have her final test to make sure she is rid of the worms on next Wednesday. So, she will be declared hw free the day before Thanksgiving (how fitting) and it will be Oscar's 12th birthday. So we are going to have friends and family over for a small party in celebration of the two milestones (Yes, I know that we are big nerds..)

You're right, she should right a book. We've got her on weight management food and have limited her treats. And she was sick for 5 days and didn't eat. So, I think that had alot to do with it. She lost about a half pound from being sick and about 1.5 pounds from the healthy eating.

Betty will be happy when she figures out that she is going to get more food each day now that she is off of the diet and just on the maintanance plan.

[Jennifer]

Gosh I will sure be glad when this whole heartworm treatment is over. Betty is not doing good tonight and needs some rays.

I came home and she had gotten sick all over her crate. Poor baby sitting in that all day. My mother in law was supposed to come check on her, but she got tied up and didn't make it over. I feel like such a bad humom.

Betty is very lethargic and is sitting on my lap crying. I called the vet and he said that this sometimes happens and that it is not abnormal. Although, I'm glad to know it doesn't mean that something is awfully wrong, it doesn't make it any easier seeing her this sick again.

Jennifer

[weenie]

Jennifer,

Many rayz from me and Willi on their way to Betty! You are not a bad humom.....these things happen sometimes.

Kris
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<img src=http://www.geocities.com/willidoxie/wally.gif>

[Maggie Aggie]

Jennifer,

You had no idea that Betty was going to get sick today. Do not feel guilty. She's going to be back to normal before you know it.

Sending more rays your way.

Vicki and Maggie

[dutchman]

Hi Jenifer,

Don't blame yourself it sounds like you didn't even know the vomiting was a possibility. I'm sure if you had known you would have been there or made sure some one else was there.

We are sending additional rays. Best wishes for a very special Thanksgiving.

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[Oscar's Mom]

Jennifer - dont feel guilty. You made plans for someone to check on her, and its not your fault that didnt work out and you didnt know she might get sick. Dont feel bad for going to work, you have to go to work to pay the doxie bills.
I hope Betty is 100% healthy soon. She's got to be all better for her big party next week!

[Jennifer]

Thanks everyone for the support. You are right, I had no idea that she would get sick or I would have worked from home yesterday or taken her to my mother in laws house for the day.

She's still feeling down and out today. She gives the best "I am pitaful" look that I have ever seen. However, she did eat breakfast this morning, which is good. Husband is working from home today to be with her and watch her.

Thanks again everyone. You have helped me so so much over the past 6 weeks. I really really appreciate it.

[Tanya]

Hi Jennifer,
I've been reading this thread since Ben is now going through HW treatment. It makes me really nervous! I send prayers to Betty and hope she is well soon. These poor puppers!
Tanya

[Jennifer]

Tanya, I will be sending prayers and rays for Ben. I hope that he breezes through it like a charm. When does he come home from the vet? Is he having the two shots first and then the oral treatment or is he doing it in the reverese order?

Betty is feeling much better and is back to her spunky self. The vet said that we can gradually let her return to her normal activity level, but I am being pretty cautious about that just yet. Especially since she has had such a tough time with the whole treatment.

Thought I'd post this for others going through this - After the oral medicine she has been extremly thirsty. She just gulps up water. Which is good that she is drinking so much and not in danger of getting dehydrated.

[Tanya]

Hi Jennifer. I'm supposed to check with the vet tomorrow to see if Ben can come home. Then it's keeping him quiet for 3 weeks...back to the vet for the follow-up. Ben is having the injections first. So far, he is doing well and having no reaction. They say he will be very sore in his back. The vet is pretty optimistic so far but is always quick to remind me that it is still a risky treatment.

Glad to hear about Betty doing better and the water. Ben is a big drinker anyway, but so far so good. Please keep your fingers crossed. This dog has been so abused that I want him to live so i can spoil him rotten for the rest of his life!
Tanya

[Jennifer]

I'm so glad that Ben is doing OK so far. Bless you so much for adopting him and taking him through the treatment.

Betty was extremly sore when I picked her up. If I touched her back, she "screamed" and tried to nip at me. It was very challenging because she was so lethargic that she didn't want to walk anywhere (even to go outside), so I had to carry her, but I had to be very careful.

Apparantly, Day 7 is when most complications arise. Both Betty and Kibby (Rena's foster dog) got pretty sick at that time. Betty started to get some conjection on Day 6, a medium amount by Day 7 and was really sick by Day 9.

Rena's rescue friend told me that this is because this is when the majority of the worms are dying. So, you'll want to be extra careful and alert around that time.

Sending Rays to Ben!!!

[TessieMom]

Miss Kibby is sending rayz to Ben and to her special friend Betty. Sorry to hear she had trouble when I left town! Kibby was not a model patient while I was gone... she was restless, barked constantly, and lost a lot of weight from not eating. Had a big meal this evening and is out like a light... the vet took a sample of her blood to test today to see where we go next. Rena

[Jennifer]

Welcome Back Rena!! That's too bad that Miss Kibby didn't do well while you were gone. I bet she's glad to be home. What did the blood test show? Hopefully, it came back good.

Betty didn't eat yesterday and threw up bile this morning, so I have a call into the vet. Not sure if this is hw related or not. SHe is acting normal and very spunky. She probably just ate something that she shouldn't have.

[dutchman]

Hi Rena,

Just goes to show how attached to you miss Kibby has become. I hope the news from today's blood test is good. Tell the princess (we already have a queen) that hunger strikes are not an approved protest method.

Best wishes and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[TessieMom]

Kibby's blood test came back very good -- no worms. Vet said just to give her heartguard and that it would take care of any microfilaria. That was not what I expected (I expected the megadose of ivermectin from what everyone said). At any rate, she has been eating all day and is out like a light. Have a temporary foster that tries to get my lap and that was not appreciated. Things should be normal tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for your concern and I hope Miss Betty is doing well. Rena

[dutchman]

Great news Rena. It looks like you will have a happy Thankgiving.

Tom and the boys

[Jennifer]

Wow Rena. That is wonderful. Does this mean that Kibby is totally through with heartworm treatment?

I am so happy to hear that.

Are you going to keep looking for a home for her or has become a permanent memeber of your clan?

[TessieMom]

I will talk to the other vet. He indicated that it would be another month before she could get back to normal activity... Will watch her carefully for the next several days after the heartguard and see if she has any problems. She is still very much a one person dog... has to be touching me and I cannot leave her with someone else while I walk down the hall to the bathroom. Other folks are fine as long as I am holding her. She is also not too keen on other animals right now. We will see what she feels and if she finds someone she is comfortable with, who can give her more attention (since there are 3 other dogs here).... and a better home, I will consider it. Otherwise, she is here as long as she wants to be one of my family members. She has gone through too much to push her out unless she is ready and wants to leave. At this point, she is very tightly bonded. Rena

[Jennifer]

That is so sweet Rena that you are letting Miss Kibby decide. I've got a sneaky suspicion that if it up to her, then you're going to have a family for doggies.

Betty is doing fine. The vet said that I could start slowly increasing her activity level. So, she's been able to be loose in the house this week and she is so happy. She is able to play without coughing. Very happy.

Jennifer

[TessieMom]

Miss Kibby is feeling down today... lack of energy, upset tummy, just wants to sleep. She may be catching up from the lack of sleep at the vets or the cold, rainy weather? At any rate it is a good day for snoozing on the couch with 2 squeeky toys and Hannah (who leaves for a foster home in south Texas in an hour. Sounds good about Betty being able to increase her level of activity. Rena

[Jennifer]

Sending rays to Kibby. Betty says that she hopes she feels better soon. Snoozing on the couch with 2 squeaky toys and a foster doggie sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon. Hopefully, she is just catching up from the week at the vet.

Jennifer

[TessieMom]

Miss Kibby asked me to let you all know how much better she is feeling! She is putting on all the weight she lost and has been stuffing herself. Am giving her more freedom, since she still sleeps most of the time. She cuddles until bedtime and then decides that it is time to fetch and carry around squeaky toys. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers through all of this. She is sending mega giga rays to Betty, Ben, Rusty (one of my overnight fosters who starts treatment next week)and all other HW+ pups! Rena

[Roxane]

Great News! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/bounce.gif
Tell Miss Kibby there is a whole big Turkey coming her way soon! That ought to help speed things up.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif
Roxane and crew +2

[dutchman]

Psst Miss Kibby don't tell mom but I think you have found your forever home. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[Jennifer]

Rena - That is wonderful!! I am so happy for you.

Betty was declared hw free today!! I am so happy. I also posted this on the Misc board (along with a pic of her), but thought I'd post it hear in case you didn't check out that board. She startes on her hw pill tonight.

We are having a birthday party for Oscar and a celebration for Bettys accomplishment tonight. Cake and ice cream for all!!

Thank you so much for everything. Sending mega rays to all of the other hw pos doggies out there.

Kibby, Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving. Hopefully you can sneak some turkey. Psst... I agree with Tom that you have already found your forever home. Sounds like you are just too special of a pupper to your mom to let go.

Jennifer

[TessieMom]

Psst...dis is Kibby, congwatulatons to Betty!!! I wan some ice cweam and cake, too.. cause turkey is what mom feeds me all da time (says it will make me sleepy). I have been sampling people food once in a while and it tastes pretty good... specially cake (had some for the first time a couple days ago...didn't know what it was, so I was kinda hesitant... not any more). I twied to kill a floor dwagon today... at least it went back in its cave after I got done. Happy Thwanksgiving!!! da Kibby

[TessieMom]

Psst-- dis is Kibby again. Wanted you folks to be the first to know the news. Told hoomom over Thwanksgiving dat I wasn't going any place with anyone else. I am with here forever and dats it. My hoouncle and hooauntie tried to bribe me with Beggin strips, but I wouldn't have none of it... no one else is gonna hold me and dats it. Made hoomom redo the bed so dere's room for all of us without LuLu talkin twash at me.
Kibby, here ta stay

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by TessieMom on November 29, 2000 at 04:48 PM</font>

[Jennifer]

psst... Betty here...

Kibby, tat is wunderful news! I am so glad tat you got your forever home. Sounds like your new home is really wunderful if you couldn't even be bribed wit beggin strips... I weally like beggin strips, send your aunt and uncle dis way.

I was going to miss you if you went to another house!! My mom had told me tat you were my special hw buddy and I even saw your pictures. My mom says to tell your mom Congratuwations and she was betting tat you were already in your forever home. Whatever tat means. Really good news tat you got a share of de bed... I'm still working on how to get my bro Oscar to stop stealing my covers.

[TessieMom]

Psst -- dis is Kibby. I heard hooMom say dat something called "Sams Club" had a special on dem Beggin Strips... hooMom brought home 2 big buckets. Don't know if you have one of dem, but dey are weally good if I could figgure out how to get in da buckets, I would be weally full... Kibby off to plan a break in.