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November 21, 2013

Before Thanksgiving gobbles up all our time and energy, here is the news from both Ginko’s and Lilly’s recheck appointments this week. Warning! Cute pictures below.

Ginko’s Heart Recheck

We ended up cancelling several of Ginko’s heart recheck appointments amid Lilly’s spate of emergency needs. Finally, Monday we got him in for a quick listen by our primary care veterinarian.

Good news! While Ginko will always have a heart murmur from his leaky heart valves, his ventricular arrhythmia sounds much better – after 2 months on the new meds. His overall heartbeat sounds much more regular.

This is Ginko's actual EKG from October. You can see the really BIG beats he gets when his heart gets out of sync.
This is Ginko’s actual EKG from October. You can see the really BIG beats he gets when his heart gets out of sync.

He is coughing less too. We had been blaming his coughing on early-stage laryngeal paralysis, but now we think it was heart related. So, we’re thrilled that has improved. Another marker of how well he is doing on the new heart meds.

Bonus! Our veterinarian used a local anesthetic and did a quick little surgery to remove a new, really icky growth on Ginko’s chest. He’ll wear a t-shirt to protect his dozen or so staples. Just something gross, not worrisome, but I’m still glad it’s gone.

tired boy 11-18-13 Lilly’s Internal Medicine Recheck

Wednesday, Lilly and I had a date with our new internal medicine specialist who is now in charge of all non-neurological things. During the quick appointment, we rechecked:

  • The blood clot in Lilly’s leg. We decided NOT to do another ultrasound because all other clinical signs were good. Lilly’s legs have strong pulses, are much warmer than before, etc.
  • The infections in Lilly’s mouth and bladder. We cultured both to see if 3 weeks of monster antibiotics have done the trick. Really hope so!
  • The swollen spot inside Lilly’s lower lip. It has improved by about 50%.
  • The lump on Lilly’s forehead. Still a bit of a puzzle, but lower on the list of priorities and worries.

Our #1 goal right now is to get rid of this darn MRSA infection – both because it needs to go away and because the meds upset Lilly’s tummy.

We finally found a combination of home-cooked oatmeal + special senior canned food + human baby food (mostly chicken and sweet potato puree) that Lilly will eat consistently.

I’m happy to say she only lost ½ pound since her last appointment. The trick is simply accepting that she doesn’t like to eat very much in the morning. Often she eats the rest of her breakfast at lunchtime, then wolfs down her dinner.

Miracle Watch

I’m looking for ways to focus on the miracle that is Lilly and not just write about the medical ups and downs. The drama of it all makes me exhausted, and I don’t want to be whining all the time.

So, let’s wrap up the post with one piece of miraculous news!

lilly with ball 11-18-13

On Monday, for the first time in I cannot remember when, Lilly grabbed her favorite ball and wanted to play.

It’s cold and snowy here today, but on warmer days, we make sure to get outside … which as you can see … Lilly enjoys!

funny from below 11-9-13

Have a good weekend, and if we don’t post again before then … HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

  1. I’m so glad that Lilly and Ginko are getting some good news! Lilly’s story is the truth about the bond that we humans share with our beloved dogs. Your courage and Lilly’s strength will give hope to many dog owners. Bless all of you this Thanksgiving!

  2. When I know I’m going to want to remember something amazing that Starr has done, its gets written in my ‘Book of Wonder’ – it helps me to know exactly how far she’s come, rather than trying to remember when -if ever – she did something great 🙂

  3. With all the tough times you’ve been through lately, it sounds like you have lots to be thankful for.

    As i think back on everything that has befallen Lilly–not just the vaccines reaction but the rattlesnakes and paintball pellets–I can’t help but think she is a miracle every day.

    I hope you have some lovely play time together over the holiday.

  4. Wishing you and your hubby a blessed Thanksgiving! May Lilly have an awesome day and enjoy having you all together! Love, love your posts, Roxanne!

  5. Thank you for the report and always-great photos! I love hearing the good news about Ginko, and the very hopeful news about Lilly. She is truly a fighter and such a sweetie. Let’s hope she can kick her MRSA infection soon. Hugs.

  6. Lilly is truly a miracle, in every way. She’s so full of love and happiness. You and she are lucky to have each other.

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