Pyometra, Baby's little devil

[Gooseman]

Well, as of late baby has been vomiting at odd intervals, has lost weight, has swollen lymph nodes and she's had some discharge down below. So I took her to the vet today while I was visiting in Houston, and after doing a CBC and finding a massive shortage white blood cells, they performed a x-ray and confirmed that Baby has pyometra. Apparently her uterus got infected after she had the litter before I found her, so I'm sorta in a pickle, as this will most certainly erase all remaining christmas money and probably a fair bit from a few paychecks. I've decided that I am not going to follow my vets advice and put her down... because she's just a stray and I don't plan on keeping her... I just can't bring myself to even consider it. Consider it duty to serve, I know there are many dogs out there that could use my help, but this one came straight to me. I'm gonna make sure she gets a good life. Tomorrow I'm going to take her up to Texas A&M small animal clinic and see what they propose. Whether it be a course of antibiotics or the need for surgery... I'm behind it. Figured I'd just keep y'all posted and sorta needed a place to rant a bit...

[Patrick Long]

damn dude, im sorry to here that, i hope it all turns out well

[slartibartfast]

Ben, she needs surgery immediately. Pyometra is nothing to wait on. Antibiotics do not work; she will only get sicker and then you'll need to do surgery anyway. Please don't wait! I have sent you a PM.

[frankykeno]

Ben, this could be quite a costly surgery. Considering your circumstances and that you are trying to save this dog I would suggest you get on the phone this morning and start contacting vets/vet colleges. Our old vet back in MI had a program for lower income families to help get care for pets as well as a special reduced rate for people that rescued/rehabbed animals. Start dialing and see if you can find a program at a clinic/college near you hon. I'd also look for a pit rescue group that might be able to either help with the costs or direct you to programs to help save Baby.

I agree with Jess, this can't wait. I had a female rescue Lab also come up with pyo (she was unfixed when we found her). She actually had a litter in her, dying with her. It was a complete and utter mess and our vet at the time said it was the worse spay she'd ever had to do. Shadow, the Lab, nearly died twice on the table as her condition was that advanced and complicated by the 8 pups inside her. They did not survive the surgery however Shadow did and went on to a long, healthy life.

Get busy dialling, Ben and if I can be of any help researching options, please let me know hon.

[littleindiangirl]

Ben, I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying for you and Baby. Hopefully she can get help in time, and come out of this with good health.

[tigerlily]

I'm with Jess, the girl's gonna need some surgery! It's better in the long run for her to be spayed anyway. Poor thing.

Kudos to you Ben for not giving up on her, and going that extra mile.

[catawhat75]

Oh Ben, I am so sorry. What's the update on this? I can't afford much, but please let me know where I can send a bit to help out.

[stangs13]

A&M has the best vet clinic in texas. Or any where else for that matter. They will take care of her. Don't be selfish though if she needs to be put down don't let your feelings get in the way of what she needs. Good luck bro! But if she can be saved by surgery by all means go for the surguery!

[Gooseman]

Ok everybody, sorry for the delay in response. I was at the Texas A&M clinic early this morning and spent the rest of the day at work... so here I am. I have some good news. Apparently the vet clinic back in Houston managed to screw up a CBC and misread an x-ray as the beginning stages of pyometra. The small animal hospital up here in College Station re-did the x-ray and blood work, and although they believe her to have an infection of some sort, they do not believe it to pyometra. Their belief is that she has a dilated esophagus due to an infection on top of her consuming too much water, which would explain her vomiting. They believe that her prior owners withheld water from her on numerous occasions and now she consumes too much since we've been giving her free rain to the water bowl. Also this visit they found that she has tape worms, which need to be treated. (although clear for heart worms) So... all things considered the bills were manageable and there's no need for surgery. So I'm happy. I am greatly appreciative of all offered support and advice as it would have been quite rough had she actually had pyometra. I mean... they did say that pyometra MAY still be a possibility, but that they highly doubt it. But yea... I feel much better now, as from what I've read about pyometra, it's not something I'm too keen on experiencing. Once again thank you all for your support, y'all have been wonderful. I just cannot put into words my appreciation.

I am planning on getting her spayed before too long as well, just for safeties sake.

-Ben

[slartibartfast]

Woohoo! Great news! I'm so glad it's not a pyo!