Leopold is recovering, but frightening news

[Jeri]

I just finished talking to Poldie's surgeon.  The tumor, along with the spleen, was removed in its entirity.  The is no visible cancer on any other major organs.  However, Poldie had a very difficult time recovering from anesthesia.  He went into cardiac arrest about four times.  He was given several drugs in an IV drip to stabilize him, and it took about two hours for him to stabilize.  Currently he is not any any IV meds and is breathing and reacting well.

Then plan was to leave him overnight to recover, but due to the tough time he had, the doctor does not want him alone (they are not a 24 hour hospital).  He can stay home with us, but Kevin and I have no medical training, and Leopold seems to be very delicate right now.  Although there is a 24 hour emergency clinic nearby, the 10 minutes or so it would take to get him there could be too much risk to take.  Our other option is to transfer him to the 24 hour emergency clinic, where trained medical staff can observe him overnight.  If he does well overnight, he will be in good shape to come home tomorrow.  That is what we will do.

When we took him to the vet yesterday, I was almost certain we would say goodbye.  Poldie had not eaten much in days, and had little energy.  It had been ages since he sassed us or responded to affection.  As we pulled into the vet's parking lot, Poldie snorted at me for not getting him out of the car quickly enough to suit him.  I could not recall the last time he ordered me around like that!  while we waited in the exam room, the once listless dog did not want to stop kissing me!  When the doctor came back and told us he thought he could help him, that good news along with Poldie acting more like himself told us it wasn't his time--not yet anyway.

Now we are questioning our decision.  Have we only put him through more pain?  He's so small and weak, he's lost 3-4 pounds from poor appetite.  He has never done well under anesthesia, but the cardiac arrest is something that has never happened before.  Perhaps because of his history, weight loss, and age, it is all just too much for him. 

I promised Poldie we would do the best we could for him.  That was certainly our intention when we consented to the surgery.  I only hope we have made the right decision.

[Rich]

None of us is omniscient, we can only do what our hearts and best information tells us to do. Poldie may have had a hard time in the OR but it sounds like the possibility of more good times for him is still there.  You're doing everything you can out of love.  Don't be second guessing yourselves.  Rays and prayers still coming from Iowa for Poldie.

[Leslie]

I agree, in 48 hours, my guess is he'll be giving you slurpy kisses at home by then!  Prayers comin' atcha!

[Nikki]

I just saw your posts and am sending lots of rays and prayers for you and Leopold.  I agree with Rich and Leslie, you can't second guess yourself.  You love Poldie and are doing everything you can for him and he knows that.  Hopefully the worst is over and he will be home with you soon.

[David C.]

Sorry we missed all the earlier updates.  Sending mega-rays to Poldie.

In these situations, you just need to go with your gut.   If your gut said to go ahead, then that is the correct answer.   Poldie is one tough old dachsie and he is stubborn enough that he will decide when the right time and place is for him to go to the bridge.   We've seen Poldie's back against the wall several times and he always seems to find a way.   I'm sure he'll find a way again. 

[Ruth in MT]

 

[Barb]

I agree with the others - your followed your heart and it told you it wasn't Poldie's time.   I hope you will get us an update today on how his night went and if he gets to come home today.  I am sure Poldie is thankful for some more time with his loving family - you are the best !

Smoochies to our Poldie