Leopold update

[Jeri]

We picked up Poldie at the vet last night.  He was in very poor shape, and did not seem to know we were there at first.  As I petted him he began paddling his front legs as he lay there, as if he wanted to go.  The doctor said that Poldie had been seeping more blood than he would like, and his platelet count dropped dangerously low.  He had given poldie one unit of blood from his donor dog, and had another unit ready for us to take with Poldie.  I saw the donor dog, a yellow lab, lying on the floor, and said a quick prayer thanking God for the donor and asking God to bless him.  We transferred Leopold in our car to the 24 hour emergency hospital.  Leopold actually seemd less stressed in our car with us, so I hated the idea of leaving him again, but he was still critical so I knew we could not give him the care he needed.  It looked like we were bringing in a dog that was nearly gone.  The vet stood there waiting for us as we walked in, and took from my arms and immediately hooked him up in their hospital room.  We saw him briefly before we left, and Poldie was already using the second bag of blood.

The emergency vet called us this morning, and Poldie had some more ups and downs last night, but on the whole was improving.  His platelt count had stabilized and begun to rise, but his blood pressure had dropped dangerously low, and they were medicating him to bring it back up. His wound was seeping more than the vet would like, but not as much as before.  We agreed to call back in the afternoon to see how he was doing.

This afternoon brought somewhat better news.  The platelet count was way up, but so was his blood pressure.  Seemed the treatment worked a bit too well, and now his bp was a bit high, but they were dealing with it.  The vet was uncertain if he could come home tonight, but suggested a visit from us might help Poldie, so we left right away to see him.

Although he is still in fragile health, he looked so much better than they day before.  He kissed me and nuzzled Kevin's beard, and the vet was very pleased that Poldie responded to us so well. They gave us baby food to feed him, but Poldie backed away and wanted none if it.  We stayed with him about 20 minutes, but then Poldie looked tired and wanted to sleep, so we decided to go.  The doctor said he should stay another night, and we agreed.

Please continue to send rays and prayers for us and Poldie, and thankful rays and prayers for blood donor dogs.  Without dogs like them, we could have lost our boy.

[SNKSMOMSUE]

Jeri, I am so sorry you have to go through this. Leopold is very fortunate to have you and Kevin to look out for him.  I am saying prayers for the best outcome, whatever that may be.  Please give Poldie a smootch from Auntie Sue, and tell him the King is very proud of his couragiousness during this rough time. 

Hugs to you all, and my heart aches for you -

Sue, Jim. King Sol, and Kirby (aka Stinky Baby Dog)

[Suzie]

Thinking of you all with hope.  Part of the Colorado contingent.

[Kari]

Thinking of you and send rays for Leopold!

[Barb]

Jeri - thank you for taking the time to keep us updated - please know we are all sending prayers and healing doxie rays in bulk force to Poldie and to you,  Kev and the family.    What a stressful time, but it is encouraging that with each day he is improving.   Please update us today if you can (Sunday).

We all love Poldie as our own - please give him gentle smoochies from his cyber aunties, uncas and paw pals.

Hugs to you -

[Sandishooligans]

Poor Poldie.  We're sure rootin' for him here in SLO, CA.  We love you, sweetheart!  Thank you Jeri for the updates!