June 3, 2012

White Dog and the others rushed us as we walked in the door..."WELL?"

Here is the Puff Update after our evening visit and discussion with the Internal Medicine Specialist.

Our Puff looked MUCH better as a result of spending the afternoon in the oxygen kennel. Her breathing was easier and her eyes seemed brighter although she still tired easily. She was not allowed out of the oxygen enriched enclosure so we could cuddle her but there were two portals for us to reach in to stroke and comfort our little girl. She had eaten and drank water while we were there.

The radiologist reported (and the vet concurred) that the X-rays showed that the issue was not one of the heart. Yes, her right ventricle is a bit enlarged but both attributed that to her heartworm damage. The best news is that absolutely no evidence of the c monster was found--moving the likelihood of that being an underlying cause way to the bottom of the list (doctors never say 100%). They are also pretty certain that she is not experiencing pulmonary hypertension.

The focus now seems to be on her lungs and bronchial system. Agreeing with our Dr. Julia, Dr. Reese believes Puff has super pneumonia--a combination of both viral and bacterial types. Additionally, there is evidence that she suffers from small artery disease (again probably scar tissue in the small arteries caused by the heart worm).

Still Another White Dog has a severely narrow trachea which may be congenital and this also affects her exhalation (which is the problem, they believe). tomorrow a bronchioscopy will be administered sending a scope down Puff's throat to view the trachea and the point of the bronchial tube where it branches into the lungs. There is a fear that there is a dynamic collapse going on at this point which causes her airway to nearly shut closed when she breathes.

This is the part that is scary because she will have to undergo sedation for this procedure. For tonight the plan is to let her continue to rest in the oxygen chamber and monitor her hourly. The White Ones at home are frantic without their sister. Quinn has manic for the first time in ages and the others are restless and unsettled. All they know is that Puff is not where she should be and things are not right.

Puff the Magical is not yet out of the woods by any means, so please, the WDA begs for your continued positive energy. The awesome Power of this community makes a HUGE difference. Thanks for being there. We will keep you updated.