And At Last on the Hero Front

At long last, Hero's very slow recovery seems to definitely be the right direction.  For the past two weeks, he has not required catheterization.  I've checked a couple of times, and his residuals (the amount left in his bladder after he's done his business) are at or below the requisite amount, so we no longer have that ritual in our daily lives.

We also have a new vet friend, Dr. Chris Miles in our lives, and she has found the answers that make sense to me with my medical background, and the solution to Hero's diarrhea issues.  It seems that with the neurological injury of the spinal stenosis (the bladder issue, which led to the diagnosis of spinal stenosis is a poor prognostic sign, which I was informed of at the time of the workup), also causes sluggish bowel activity.  The sluggish bowel activity in turn leads to an overgrowth of Clostridia difficile, and anaerobic bacteria found in the gut.  This overgrowth causes the diarrhea.

So, Hero now takes Flagyl consistently, but at a lower dose than one would use to treat an active process.  We have also added fiber to his diet in the form of pumpkin pie filling, and he has been able to return to his regular Eagle Pack diet which is more savory than the bland GI diets.

Hero has been able to increase his activity, and even took a 75 minute walk with DS#1 the other morning.  He seemed a bit stiff the next day, but is happy, involved and close to normal.  All is well on the dog front here in my corner of the Maine woods!  Yay!

On another note, after I sort through my Ireland photos and photoshop those which need it, I will post some of those adventures.  And there are finished objects and newly cast on objects to share as well.

May the leprechauns and other Irish fairies be king and gentle with you!

Comments

[Julie]

I'm so happy to hear that Hero is doing so well!

[Monika]

I'm so very glad that Hero is doing so well!

[Manise]

Answers to all of the Hero questions! Yay! And no more cathing? Yahoo! So glad things have improved this much. The new vet practice sounds wonderful with a very well-rounded staff too!

[Laritza]

Great news! Very happy for both of you and the rest of the pack of course!

[Angie]

Great progress for Hero. Hurray. I'm looking forward to reading about your trip.

[Colleen]

Hurray for Hero! So Glad to hear good news, whew!
and cannot wait to see Ireland pics... we are looking foward to going back someday...

[Joy]

I am so glad to hear of Hero's progress. I'm looking forward to seeing Ireland too as your photos are the closest I will get, for now anyway. Was it unbelievable expensive due with conversion rates?

[Sara]

So happy to hear that Hero is doing much better. Glad to know you are home safe and sound...looking forward to all the photos...