November 29, 2010

White Dog, Quinn and Nuka were lined up at the door to greet Puff when Steve returned with her from the vet this afternoon. As I held the quaking girl in my arms, each came over to gently sniff and breathe a blessing over their newest sister.

Puff began her treatment for heartworm today. Steve dropped her off early this morning. I was surprised to get a call from the Office a few hours later since the treatment was to take all day. It was Dr. Julia...my heart sank and I leaned against White Dog as we spoke.

During the preliminary work (x-rays, bloodwork) prior to beginning the treatment, Dr. Julia discovered the situation was much worse than she originally thought. Puff is considered Stage 3, where the heartworms have spread to other organs and the situation is serious and life threatening. SAWD has a slight enlargement of her heart and liver, as well as pneumonia like issues with her lungs. Dr. Julia feels Puff has been infected for a VERY long time.

My tears of panic fought with my rage at the breeder who left this precious girl out in dirt and wrote off her symptomatic cough as being "allergies."

Our vet, whom we trust completely, says Puff's prognosis is guarded but that she feels things are still positive. Puff seems to be in good health (is this possible?) other than this disease and obviously has a strong will to survive. Plus White Dog whispered into my other ear, "She IS an Eskie, don't ever count us out!"

So for now, Puff is home, under very restricted activity. She goes back to spend the day with the vet tomorrow for observation. And then we wait and watch for one month before the final two doses can be administered, hopefully making her heartworm free.

The danger is if the worms enter her vena cava; they will cause a stroke and possibly death...but we are strong, and we are directing all of our energy to keeping that from happening...And we are Eskies, who can never be counted out! Still, The White Dog Army asks for you to send healing thoughts and prayers to our Puff because the Power of the Paw is potent medicine beyond compare. Thank you.