This may be Babys last week...

[tikeyas_mom]

For those of you know dont know the whole story you can read it here..
CLICK HERE! (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=126887)
I thought giving her away would have been the hardest thing.. BUT, We took Baby to the vet again because her infection has gotten WAYY worse. She has (what feels like) water, and gas bubbles under her skin.
It used to just be along the right side of her rib cage, but now it has spread throughout her whole ribcage, and down both front legs, also along her spine to her tail!!!!! This is just horrid!!! :(

The vet gave us some heavy duty antiboitics to give to baby, a higher dosage then he gave us two days ago. He said; if it doesn't clear up, or if it spreads anymore she WILL have to be put down !!!! :( :eek: :( I Never wanted this for poor Baby Blue, Why did she have to attack Tikeya in the first placE??

The vet said the infection that is spreading throughout Baby usually is common and extremely fatal for large dogs, it is also fatal in horses.. I prey that she heals up :(:(:(.. I love her soo much, we all do .. And This is just the worse news..

[Catty1]

OMG. What infection IS this?

Poor Baby - PT Prayers that she recovers and has a chance with a new family who understands and loves her!

PT Prayers have done great things, and can again!

{{{{hugs}}}}

[tikeyas_mom]

Thanks so much, I have dried so much these last couple days.. I really hope this stupid infection stops !!! :(:(

[Karen]

She will be in our prayers, poor Baby!

[luvofallhorses]

:( what kind of infenction is it?? maybe that's why she was acting aggressive because she doesn't feel well? :( Baby will be in my prayers. (((Baby)))

[tikeyas_mom]

I have no idea what the infection scientific name is called, I know its a soft tissue infection. The vet said what happens is the dog will start getting a watery fluid under her skin around and near the wound. It feels like a water bed when you touch it, and it makes a crackling noise like there is air in the fluid. :(
It will rapidly spread throughout the dog, infecting the rest of the body. Eventually the dog will baloon up and it will attack her internal organs. He said it is VERY painfull for the animal to indure the infection spreading.. It started because of a wound baby recieved during the dog fight. It wasn't there before she attacked Tikeya. It started rapidly spreading ever since the fight.

Please prey for our poor Baby girl.. I hope these antibiotics kick in soon :(:(

She has three different pills to take. Two of them she takes twice a day, and the other one is once a day..... My poor girl is drugged up, I just hope its killing that infection.. :(:(:(:(

[Taz_Zoee]

OH NO!! Poor Baby! She will be in my thoughts. I hope she can beat this infection.

[anna_66]

Oh gosh, I can't believe this:( I do hope the meds work and she gets better asap.
Lots of prayers to sweet Baby.

[lv4dogs]

My cat Tiki got that or at least a similar infection when he was attacked last fall. (I also can't remember the name of it). Thank god we got his cleared up in just a couple days (took a little longer for all the air to be re-absorbed into his system though). Our thoughts are with you.
What antibiotics is she on?

[K9soul]

Oh no :(. Poor Baby girl.. I will pray hard for her, I hope the antibiotics work quickly. What a nightmare :(.

[tikeyas_mom]

My cat Tiki got that or at least a similar infection when he was attacked last fall. (I also can't remember the name of it). Thank god we got his cleared up in just a couple days (took a little longer for all the air to be re-absorbed into his system though). Our thoughts are with you.
What antibiotics is she on?

The names of the antiboitics are Amoxil capsule 500MG, Metronidazole tabs 250 MG. There is one more heavy duty antibiotic that we are giving her, My mom put it away somwhere I cant find it.

[Glacier]

The other one is probably Cephalexin. It's used for puncture wounds(Ask me how I know that and why I have a stash of it on hand at all times!)

I've had two dogs with this same type of infection after a simple puncture wound. One from a fight and one from poking herself on a stick! My vet never mentioned putting them down. He did say it was very serious and had to be treated aggressively. IV antiobiotics were an option if the pills didn't work fast enough.

Did he give Baby anything for pain control?

I hope she responds well and quickly.

[dragondawg]

For those of you know dont know the whole story you can read it here..
CLICK HERE! (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=126887)
I thought giving her away would have been the hardest thing.. BUT, We took Baby to the vet again because her infection has gotten WAYY worse. She has (what feels like) water, and gas bubbles under her skin.
It used to just be along the right side of her rib cage, but now it has spread throughout her whole ribcage, and down both front legs, also along her spine to her tail!!!!! This is just horrid!!! :(

The vet gave us some heavy duty antiboitics to give to baby, a higher dosage then he gave us two days ago. He said; if it doesn't clear up, or if it spreads anymore she WILL have to be put down !!!! :( :eek: :( I Never wanted this for poor Baby Blue, Why did she have to attack Tikeya in the first placE??

The vet said the infection that is spreading throughout Baby usually is common and extremely fatal for large dogs, it is also fatal in horses.. I prey that she heals up :(:(:(.. I love her soo much, we all do .. And This is just the worse news..

The vet would have been more accurate in saying: The infection that is spreading will commonly spread, and be fatal if treated with the wrong antibiotics.

Amoxicillin a drug in the class of Penicillins is almost worthless for humans, and for most animals due to antibiotic resistance. The bacterial produce a β-lactamase that inactivates the penicillin drugs. In answer to this problem Clavamox was created, which consists of Amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid which inactivates the β-lactamase before it can inactivate the Amoxicillin. Increasing the dose of Amoxicillin alone, given likely bacterial resistance, is next to worthless.

The Metronidazole was a good try in combating anaerobic bacteria in the wound. The air bubbles or gas being produced are signs of an anaerobic infection. However the fact it continues to expand indicates antibiotic resistance to Metronidazole, and/or possible aerobic bacteria interfering. A bite wound results in a mixed bacteria infection.

At this stage with the infection for all purposes systemic, the dog needs IV and/or IM injections of such drugs as Baytril or one of the newer quinolones, a second-generation cephalosporin (eg, cefoxitin, not cephelexin), and possibly clindamycin. It could cause intestinal problems such as bacterial overgrowth, but that is minor compared to the current life threatening infection. In another words you need the heavy duty drugs and multiple ones.

If the infection continues unabated, then sooner or later it will hit the major organs. Presumably if you measured your dog's current temperature, with the toxins being produced it wouldn't be too surprising to find a 103+ degree temperature. If the major organs get hit, and start to shut down the dog's temperature will dive to 95, and death will occur shortly there after. The dog should be hospitalized at a Vet Hospital.

[tikeyas_mom]

The vet would have been more accurate in saying: The infection that is spreading will commonly spread, and be fatal if treated with the wrong antibiotics.

Amoxicillin a drug in the class of Penicillins is almost worthless for humans, and for most animals due to antibiotic resistance. The bacterial produce a β-lactamase that inactivates the penicillin drugs. In answer to this problem Clavamox was created, which consists of Amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid which inactivates the β-lactamase before it can inactivate the Amoxicillin. Increasing the dose of Amoxicillin alone, given likely bacterial resistance, is next to worthless.

The Metronidazole was a good try in combating anaerobic bacteria in the wound. The air bubbles or gas being produced are signs of an anaerobic infection. However the fact it continues to expand indicates antibiotic resistance to Metronidazole, and/or possible aerobic bacteria interfering. A bite wound results in a mixed bacteria infection.

At this stage with the infection for all purposes systemic, the dog needs IV and/or IM injections of such drugs as Baytril or one of the newer quinolones, a second-generation cephalosporin (eg, cefoxitin, not cephelexin), and possibly clindamycin. It could cause intestinal problems such as bacterial overgrowth, but that is minor compared to the current life threatening infection. In another words you need the heavy duty drugs and multiple ones.

If the infection continues unabated, then sooner or later it will hit the major organs. Presumably if you measured your dog's current temperature, with the toxins being produced it wouldn't be too surprising to find a 103+ degree temperature. If the major organs get hit, and start to shut down the dog's temperature will dive to 95, and death will occur shortly there after. The dog should be hospitalized at a Vet Hospital.

Are you a vet?
I really only understood half the stuff you said in this post.. :o
I am sure that the two different vets I went to know what they are doing/talking about... I hope they do anyways, because if what your saying is tru, then why wouldnt they keep her hospitalized instead of sending us home with little-no hope. :(:(

[cyber-sibes]

Oh no, that sounds horrible. Baby will be in our prayers.

[anna_66]

Just wondering how Baby is doing today. Update when you can.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Just wondering how Baby is doing today.

Same here - poor girl

[critter crazy]

I feel so ba for baby, she is such a gorgeous dog!! I sure hope she gets better.

[trayi52]

Yes, please give us an update. I will keep Baby in my thoughts, hoping she will be better soon.

Willie

[ramanth]

I'm sorry Baby is unwell. I hope she responds to the meds soon.

[dragondawg]

Are you a vet?
I really only understood half the stuff you said in this post.. :o
I am sure that the two different vets I went to know what they are doing/talking about... I hope they do anyways, because if what your saying is tru, then why wouldnt they keep her hospitalized instead of sending us home with little-no hope. :(:(

Not a Vet, just a wayward ex-Microbiologist. I have no idea why they wouldn't recommend hospitalization, or send you home with the idea there was no hope. That's something you'd have to ask them. Maybe along the lines: Is there anything that can be done to increase the dog's chances? Some Vets such as mine do not have the staffing to run a hospital. One is given the choice of taking your dog home pre-loaded with medications (coming back the next day), or going to the area Vet Hospital. Ask to see if there is a Vet Hospital in the area they can refer you to.

[dukedogsmom]

I've never heard of that before. I'm so sorry for Baby. Is she any better? I sure hope so. I know this must be very difficult for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[tikeyas_mom]

I've never heard of that before. I'm so sorry for Baby. Is she any better? I sure hope so. I know this must be very difficult for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.


We found out babys diagnosis, she has gas gangrene :(...
The inefection isnt getting any better, its started spreading up her neck.. :(. The vet said she will probably have to be put to sleep tomorrow. I cant stop crying. It just cant get any worse. :(:(

[Vela]

I'm sorry about Baby=( I don't want to be mean, and I'm not saying it to be mean, but I agree with Dragondawg, she never should have been sent home with a body invasive gangrene to take oral medications. There was no way to help her with that at home if it was already that advanced. I am sorry for your loss. She should have been hospitalized on IV antibiotics and extensive suppoertive therapy and possible drainge and debridgement of the gangrenous tissue. I feel like a jerk for saying any of that, but I work in the medical field and know a lot about gangrene and he did not do the appropraite things.

I am really really sorry that happened. I would find a different vet if it were me. I feel so sad for you all. They just aren't treating her appropriately for what is going on.

[cyber-sibes]

Oh, sweetheart, I'm sooo sorry. This is really heartbreaking. You & Baby are in my heart, thought & prayers. IF it does come down to that tomorrow, please know that we're with you in spirit. :(

[critter crazy]

OMG!!! I feel so bad for you!! Poor Baby!! This is just horrible!

[kittycats_delight]

My heart is breaking for you all. I just don't know what to say. I am so sorry. Please know I will be praying for you all. For your pain and ssorrow and for a quick and painfree trip to the bridge for Baby. I truly am so very sorry.


((((HUGS)))) to you all and give Baby a kiss for me.

Michelle

[Roxyluvsme13]

Gosh, I am so sorry. I can't truly relate with what you're going through, but I know you must feel awful.

(((HUGS)))

[Ginger's Mom]

I am so sorry. I am sure you will make Baby's night a comfortable and love filled one. :(

[tikeyas_mom]

I'm sorry about Baby=( I don't want to be mean, and I'm not saying it to be mean, but I agree with Dragondawg, she never should have been sent home with a body invasive gangrene to take oral medications. There was no way to help her with that at home if it was already that advanced. I am sorry for your loss. She should have been hospitalized on IV antibiotics and extensive suppoertive therapy and possible drainge and debridgement of the gangrenous tissue. I feel like a jerk for saying any of that, but I work in the medical field and know a lot about gangrene and he did not do the appropraite things.

I am really really sorry that happened. I would find a different vet if it were me. I feel so sad for you all. They just aren't treating her appropriately for what is going on.


We have already taken her to two different vets and they both gave the same diognosis, and told us to take her home :(. There must be a handfull of crappy vets in my area, or we just have horrible bad luck. I dont know what to do. Sue them? not bring her in tomorrow? take her to ANOTHER vet that will just tell me the same thing.. ?? I am so distraut, confused, angry, sad.... every emoition we are feeling.. I dont want to sit here knowing the end is tomorrow :(.. But there is really nothing I can do now, her infection is sooo bad that I have a feeling even if we did take her to another vet to be put on IV it wouldnt help... :(:(

[KYS]

I am so sorry and my heart is breaking to read about poor Baby.
Sending oodles of hugs to you.

[Vela]

I know I'm really sorry. I have to agree with your last sentence. It probably is too late now, that should have been done in the beginning. Gas gangrene is deadly and fast moving and has to be treated very aggressively. I feel really bad for your whole situation, but unless she showed significant improvement when they upped her oral meds, it wasn't going to happen. You took her to two vets, you did the best you could, and I hope if the inevitable happens you just try to remember the good stuff. I wish I could offer high hopes and thoughts that she will be just fine, I feel so bad for you all. I will offer prayers for you and for Baby.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Would like to add my love and prayers to all the others. Life sucks sometimes doesn't it???

[kittycats_delight]

Just want you to know I am thinking of you and praying for Baby. You will be in my thoughts and prayers all day.

((((HUGS))))
Michelle

[finn's mom]

:( I'm so sorry about Baby. :(

[Taz_Zoee]

I am so sorry to read this sad sad news. I honestly don't even know what to say. You and Baby will be in my thoughts.

[Karen]

Oh, dear, we are so sad to see that. You'll be in our prayers.

[Vela]

Any word on Baby????

[Reachoutrescue]

I have been following this post, and I do apologize for not commenting sooner. I pray Baby will some how make it through. Just please know, that she knows you love her and she will be no longer in pain at the Rainbow Bridge. Please let us know what happens. Try to stay strong.

[cmayer31]

I'm so sorry to hear about all that you and Baby have gone through. I can't even imagine how tough all of this has been. I'll keep you guys in my thoughts today.

[AdoreMyDogs]

I'm so sorry to hear about Baby. What a hard thing to have to go threw. Just know that you did all you could for the situation. I do hope she can pull threw, but in case she can't, you tried your best and she's grateful for that :(

[buttercup132]

:( Oh no. Poor Baby.

I hope she pulls through even though it sounds like shes going.:(

[anna_66]

Oh my gosh this is so heartbreaking I don't even know what to say:(

Lots and lots of prayers sent.

[Alysser]

I am so sorry to hear about Baby! {{hugs}}

[tikeyas_mom]

Well, today was the big day..
My mom took Baby to the Vets this morning..
A different vet this time, and he said that Baby will pull through, he sees no reason to put her down. She seems happy, and go lucky.. She isnt in any pain. He said to keep her on the antibiotics, he said it takes a while for the gas and fluid to be reobsorbed into her body. But she should be back to normal in a week or two.

I am so friggen happy. :D

I couldnt bare to goto the vets this morning, just because I was SURE she wouldnt be coming home again..
All your prayers must have really pulled through, thanks to EVERYONE for your support and prayers!!! I am soo gratefull, my whole family is.. and Baby too of course!!!


Now that we've been through all of this drama the last couple days, My parents can't bare to give Baby away. We are just going to keep her in a muzzle from now on, till Shaun and I move out with Tikeya-Ebony-and Daisy.

[Reachoutrescue]

I am so glad Baby is okay. Give her a big hug from me please.

[Vela]

OMG thank God above for some good news today. After Emerson and Lady, I was so scared thinking we would see Baby next! I am SO glad that it wasnt as bad as it sounded from the posts. Gas gangrene is often deadly, so it must have been a small area. Glad to hear she is going to be okay!!!!!!

[K9soul]

I have been watching for news all day, dreading what it would be. I am so glad things are looking better and I will certainly continue to keep Baby in my prayers.

[crow_noir]

You do know that for long term use you have to use some kind of cage style and not the mesh right? Most of the mesh type even come with instructions saying not to use for more than 20 minutes at a time. The dog can overheat and die.

You've gone through too much to have her die from something like that.


Well, today was the big day..
My mom took Baby to the Vets this morning..
A different vet this time, and he said that Baby will pull through, he sees no reason to put her down. She seems happy, and go lucky.. She isnt in any pain. He said to keep her on the antibiotics, he said it takes a while for the gas and fluid to be reobsorbed into her body. But she should be back to normal in a week or two.

I am so friggen happy.

I couldnt bare to goto the vets this morning, just because I was SURE she wouldnt be coming home again..
All your prayers must have really pulled through, thanks to EVERYONE for your support and prayers!!! I am soo gratefull, my whole family is.. and Baby too of course!!!

Now that we've been through all of this drama the last couple days, My parents can't bare to give Baby away. We are just going to keep her in a muzzle from now on, till Shaun and I move out with Tikeya-Ebony-and Daisy.

[angelchampy]

Yes, please be careful on your decision on how to muzzle her. Think things out to keep everyone safe and sound. You've been through too much. Maybe it would be a good idea to keep them in separate parts of the house (if that's possible) instead of a muzzle. Or, if you will be leaving shortly, separate them in kennels outside at least during the day.

I'm so glad to hear she will pull through. This has been a nightmare. I have to say, I've never heard of gas gangrene. This is definitely new to me. See that - all the PT'ers prayers worked. This is a great group of people. I'm glad I'm part of it. :)

[Daisy and Delilah]

Great news!! It is so good to hear something encouraging :) Kisses to Baby from us please!! :D

[cmayer31]

Wow, that's amazingly good news! I'm glad you found a vet that was caring enough not to immediately say put her down; I'd stick with this one. :)

[kallisto4529]

Woooohooo...Thank God your mom took her to a different vet, sometimes that is exactly what you have to do to get them the proper help they need!!! This is such wonderful news!!!!! She is such a beautiful Great Dane, I have never seen one with her coloring before, but then again I am not around alot of the either..lol
Congrats to you all, give her big hug and kiss. :D

[tikeyas_mom]

You do know that for long term use you have to use some kind of cage style and not the mesh right? Most of the mesh type even come with instructions saying not to use for more than 20 minutes at a time. The dog can overheat and die.

You've gone through too much to have her die from something like that.


The one she wears is black mesh. It didn't say anything on it about 20min on the back. It does allow Baby to pant, and drink. The only thing she cant do is eat and bite. So we take her muzzle off when she gets supper and breaky. The cage type muzzels dont allow dogs to drink with them on, so that would cause overheating/dehidration-wich would lead to death, I would think..

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Woohoo!!!! Such great news :D

[trayi52]

I am so happy to hear that Baby is going to be alright! Prayers always works.

Willie :)

[buttercup132]

I have been watching for news all day, dreading what it would be Same, I'm so glad she is ok!

[anna_66]

This is such wonderful news! I'm so glad to hear that your Baby is going to be alright and your going to be keeping her:D

[pitc9]

Yeah!!
FINALLY some good news on Pet Talk! Geeze!! :D
Glad to hear she's going to be fine and she's not going anywhere!! :D

[Karen]

So glad to hear she's responded to the antibiotics, and will hopefully be okay! And now she gets to stay, too!

[luvofallhorses]

Yay! I am so glad she's okay! :D

[Flatcoatluver]

Such great news! I am so happy for you. :D

[tikeyas_mom]

This mroning Baby looks WAYYYY better, the best she has looked in the last week.. almost all the bubbles and fluid is gone !!!!! I cant believe it, she is still a little sore, and tired.. She still has a few more days of antibiotics left.. We really didn't think she would pull through, but shes a tuff girl.

[Vela]

I am just so glad to hear that!!!!! I was so worried for her. I didn't think she would make it either but I am SO glad she's doing better. Give her a hug for me!

[Taz_Zoee]

Ok, now I have tears of joy in my eyes!! This is such great news!! :D :D

[KYS]

That is fantastic news!
I have the biggest smile on my face.
Still thinking good thoughts for 100% recovery.

[wolfsoul]

Yay Baby! :D I'm so excited that she is pulling through....She is too nice a dog to leave like that.

[Ginger's Mom]

That is wonderful news. :)

[cyber-sibes]

Finally, some good news about Baby. Still have all paws crossed & prayers floating up on her behalf ;)

[crow_noir]

hmmm... maybe you have a different type of mesh one... all of them I've seen the dog can't eat or drink. It closes their mouth all but about 1/2 inch.

The cage type i seen, the dog can drink and eat (so long as the kibble is small enough.)

*shrug* glad that you have one that works.


The one she wears is black mesh. It didn't say anything on it about 20min on the back. It does allow Baby to pant, and drink. The only thing she cant do is eat and bite. So we take her muzzle off when she gets supper and breaky. The cage type muzzels dont allow dogs to drink with them on, so that would cause overheating/dehidration-wich would lead to death, I would think..

[Catty1]

Good to hear great news like this after so many losses of people and pets...

Go, Baby! :)

[cassiesmom]

I am SO glad to hear that Baby is responding to the treatment! How is Tikeya, by the way?

[Pawsitive Thinking]

This mroning Baby looks WAYYYY better, the best she has looked in the last week.. almost all the bubbles and fluid is gone !!!!! I cant believe it, she is still a little sore, and tired.. She still has a few more days of antibiotics left.. We really didn't think she would pull through, but shes a tuff girl.


Look forward to some celebration photos (was that subtle enough?)

[tikeyas_mom]

I am SO glad to hear that Baby is responding to the treatment! How is Tikeya, by the way?


Tikeya is alright, her wound is almost all healed up. Shes really bitter toward Baby though, always growling at her when she comes near.

I will have to take some pics of Baby for everyone soon, my cameras batteries are totally dead .. and my charger is packed away somwhere.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Tikeya is alright, her wound is almost all healed up. Shes really bitter toward Baby though, always growling at her when she comes near.

Understandable I suppose - I don't envy you having to sort this one out and hope the dogs can resolve it between them

[dukedogsmom]

I'm so glad to hear that she's doing better! Yes, we will look forward to pics. And give Tikeya some love from us, as well.

[Hellow]

That pill, Amoxicillin, was used on me when i had severe sorethroat.