| Incoming: April 6,
2006 Source:
Owner relinquished to the AWL on March 31. Given
name is Prince, which NISA is changing to Crosby.
Appearance: His body was
shaved to the skin at some point as the hair is very even and only 1/4
inch long. hair above the collar line is normal and hair around ears
grossly matted. This dog is immensely obese!
Incoming physical condition: No
medical history available. No medical provided while in holding at the
AWL. Weight is 98 pounds; stool - negative; HW test - negative; raging
diarrhea from stress and diet changes; heart and lungs normal.
Estimated age: Relinquish
info indicates 10 years
Temperament: Stressed and
somewhat snappy with technicians and kennel personal. Staff contributes
this to the dogs stress levels.
Training: No information
available
Notes: Relinquish
information indicates Crosby is housetrained, good with cats and is very
compatible other
dogs. Howls or sings while riding in a vehicle...quite beautiful to
listen to, hence the name Crosby
Up-date:
Thanks to FM (foster Mom) Carol, Crosby is beginning to blossom and he's
also down to 82 pounds. He walks like a dream on leash, changes directions
on just a verbal command, loves to just hang-out near his human, and is
learning that brushing is NOT the worst experience in life. He's also
improved greatly with toy sharing and is no longer as challenging about
his food dish.
He still absolutely hates being brushed or having
his nails done, but FM says, "We'll continue to work on these areas." That
aside, FM feels Crosby would make a wonderful companion in any adult home.
Look at this face on the left. How can you
resist? Up-date: 10/17/09
Earlier this year, Crosby's foster Mom stated that Crosby was becoming
very attached to her and as a result Carol thought the only right thing to
do would be to adopt him. At the time, Crosby was presenting some
concerning blood test results involving his liver and then, later his
kidney values increased a bit. With veterinarian recommendations,
medication and diet were implemented. My answer to Carol was, "NISA's
policy is that no Sammie can be released until deemed completely healthy
so let's wait on your request to adopt until after his next blood test
result."
That said, time passed and later blood work
indicated Crosby's kidney and liver levels came down closer to the normal
range. However, now we were dealing with ear infections....again and
again.
On Sunday, September 27 I received a very urgent
call from Carol that Crosby collapsed in her back yard and wasn't able to
stand without support. Of course the obvious is take him to a veterinary
for an examination. (I thought he might have had a stroke and with prompt
treatment any side effects like paralysis can sometimes be reversed) Our
base clinic veterinarian thought Crosby possibly slipped a disc and
recommended an injection of steroids. It was also recommended that Crosby
have 24/7 medical observation for a few days so off to Animal Emergency
and Referral Center in North Brook. Here a complete blood panel and
another physical examination were conducted including X-rays which quite
by accident provided insight to possibly another problem. Shadows near the
upper chest area suggested an accumulation of fluid either in the lungs or
chest cavity. Additional chest X-rays revealed an enlarged
heart and a large volume of fluid in the chest cavity! Since this was
Sunday plans were to keep Crosby comfortable and monitor his condition
until Monday when the facilities specialized doctors would be on board.
On Monday a liter of fluid was removed from
Crosby's chest cavity and surprisingly his appetite perked up a bit and he
was able to walk with light support! On the down side the blood test
revealed elevated kidney levels indicating possible renal failure so now
we have two conditions needing opposite treatment. Fluid to help the
kidneys would cause an influx of fluid in the heart and chest cavity.
Diuretics to remove the fluid would compromise the kidneys. Talk about
rotten luck!!!!
By Wednesday the fluid had re-accumulated in the
chest and Crosby had regressed. His breathing was labored and again, he
could not stand. An ultrasound ruled out any type of visible tumor or mass
however not all cancers are easily detected. Once again doctors removed a
liter of fluid from Crosby's Chest but this time he didn't respond
positively as he had the first time. He continued to be weak and listless.
Late in the day Wednesday the cardiologist felt Crosby could go either way
in the next 12 to 24 hours. Any and all medical intervention at that point
had been applied which left the final choice to Crosby.
Had his life improved enough during his 3
years in foster care to make him want to live?
Carol paid another visit Wednesday evening to see
if he might eat for her which he did not but his spirits perked up a bit
and he did lap a small amount of water. Surprisingly come Thursday Crosby
began to show interest in food (what animal doesn't love baby food?) and
seemed to have much better spirits. "He snapped at one of his attendants'
who dared touch his leg!" AWESOME, that's really good news for Crosby!!!
Thursday night I received a call from Carol that Crosby could go home on
Friday as long as his condition didn't regress. The fluid did not
re-accumulate this time and come Friday Crosby was getting ornery which is
a good sign. When he feels good he doesn't like people fussing with him.
Amazing is an understatement, however we're all
extremely grateful for prayers answered. Again we're also grateful to
generous supporters and donors. Cost:
$3665.74 This is precisely why NISA
conducts fundraisers and seasonal campaigns for donations. NISA needs to
be prepared for the unexpected.
Last week Crosby was scheduled to have a follow
up blood test to monitor his kidney values, however I don't have the
results at this time.
October 27
4 AM, labored breathing prompted foster Mom, Carol to transport Crosby to
AERC for treatment. Fluid was accumulating in Crosby's chest again but
Carols quick action made a huge difference in the severity of symptoms and
spared Crosby any discomfort. It was necessary to adjust current
medications, a new medication was added and this meant monitor possible
reactions for a few days. Crosby adjusted well and was able to
return home on Saturday feeling much more like his old self again.
Cost: $1,420.85
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