Chipper + Cat Food = Ick! Ick! Ick!

Just thought I'd share the past couple of days in pictures....

Thanksgiving Day:

Outside enjoying the warm weather and sun
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1315.jpg

Playing with Sasha, Seamus, and Kia
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1316.jpg

My sister giving him a big hug and kiss
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1330.jpg

Saturday, Nov. 25th:

Asked them to get in their crates. Kia got into Chipper's and Chipper followed her. You can see he is a very different dog than on Thanksgiving..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1352.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1355.jpg

Sunday, Nov. 26th:

Started to perk up. Went outside with Kia in the morning to people watch.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1465.jpg

Then decided that my sleeping bag made a pretty nice bed.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1472.jpg

Monday, Nov. 27th:

Crashed out on the couch with Kia
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1477.jpg

Then sharing it with Zam
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1479.jpg

Tuesday evening, Nov. 28th:

Trying to give him some Pedialyte.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1482.jpg

Wednesday morning at MSU:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1483.jpg

Wednesday evening:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1486.jpg

Thursday morning:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1491.jpg

Telling him goodbye before leaving for work
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...s/IMG_1493.jpg

Oh Kimmy, he is so thin. :( I know you are worried sick about his health, and also about these horrible expenses. I can't do much, but I would like to contribute something, small as it is, to his care. I know that is NOT what you're asking for, but if you would allow us to help, in small amounts, perhaps it will help you and Andy to do what you need to for Chipper, and get him well, so you can move forward with him and in your new life together and get that house and yard you want so badly sooner than later!

Would you get the necessary information together and send me a PM as to where I can send a small contribution for his expenses, whether it be to you or the veterinarian. I trust you, so I'm not worried about where I send it. I think after all these years, we know you well enough to know that you would be doing the exact same thing for us.

In the meantime, many, many prayers are being sent on Chipper's behalf and for you and Andy and Kia, Zam and Logan (special, special to me). I know the other 3 have had to take a backseat to Chipper right now, but they will be a lifesaver for you, while you wait on these test results.

Much love to you and Andy and the furry ones.

Logan

Good idea Logan, I'm up for that. Let me know where I can send something to help. I think PT should adopt him along with you. I already check back here 50 times a day to see if there is any news. Thanks for keeping us so up to date. Give him a hug for me!

Kimmy, thanks for sharing the photos of him. He is such a beautiful boy, he is so lucky to have you. I hope everything will be ok with him.

I'd also like to send a contribution for Chipper's vet care.

I can't see through my tears. You guys helped me when Kia was down and now you guys reach out with your hearts again. I love you all so much. I want to hug each and every one of you and I know Chipper sends so many kisses.

Thank you!!!!!!!

And I just thought of something....isn't there a website that also can help?

It's www.imom.org, Kimmy. And that is a great idea. Couldn't hurt to try it.

Love you. Hang in there!

Logan

;)

A big "DITTO" to Logan's thoughts ...
We need to Fill a Stocking for Chipper ... Kimmy can either pay Vet Bills or
buy Dawggie Gifts with the contributions - your choice!

If you'd like to make a Direct Contribution to Chipper's Account at the Hospital:

1) Send a Check made out to "A198 Vetrinary Teaching Hospital"
and mail to:
A198 Veterinary Teaching Hospital
College of Veterinary Medicine
East Lansing, MI 48824

Include a NOTE and Memo the check:
Apply to the account of "Chipper" and Kimberly Miller

2) Call 'em up and supply a Credit Card Number for a quick donation ...
Phone from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to the business Office (517) 353-4957
and again Specify it's for the account of "Chipper" and Kimberly Miller.

I gave the Sweet Young Thing a CC Donation - and warned her
that there would be other gifts sent for "Chipper".

Hoping for a Full Recovery!!

/s/ Phred & the FurKids

You're a good, generous man, John, and I'm not sure why some lucky woman has not snatched you up by now!!! :) I know this is off topic, but I had to say it!!!! :D I think you need to be glad I found my precious Scott when I did, otherwise I might have been after you!!! :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

;)
A198 Veterinary Teaching Hospital
College of Veterinary Medicine
Lansing, MI 48824
/s/ Phred & the FurKids

---

Is there a street address?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Freckles

Is there a street address?

A198 Veterinary Teaching Hospital
College of Veterinary Medicine
East Lansing, MI 48824

---

No, there isn't a "street address" needed - believe it or not. :p

The ZIP Code itself is for the Michigan State University ---

and the University Mail Folks use "College of Vet Medicine" as their
"street address".

The Vet College prolly gets it's mail in a big SACK or Box ...
then the office opens all the "General Mail" and distributs all the more completely addressed
mail to the various Departments in Vet Medicine.

As soon as the spot a *CHECK* they'll know who to give it to!
;)

PS: NO PayPal - I asked her!

I would like to help, as well. It won't be much but I'd like to send something. I hope he will get well.

It only takes a little to do a lot IMO. If many people contribute a little, it goes a long way and I for one want to see this guy come home! He's stolen my heart!

Hopefully at the end of all this, there will be answers for Chipper and he will be happy healthy Pup! I know this is hard on you guys, but he found a family that that is going to make sure he is taken care of right!!! (Even if it takes a little help from the extended family ;) )

Thanks to my friend, Logan, I was alerted to this thread. When I saw the 12 pages, I knew it had to be very serious situation. My heart sank and my stomach has been in a knot as I've read them all.

Kim, I can't imagine the stress you are under right now. Our dogs have had their emergencies and my husband and I were just discussing how fortunate we have been that their situations were quickly resolved, despite seeming quite serious at the time.

Kim, Chipper is a doll. It seems he is fitting into your family so well and is so appreciative of his new home (as I knew he would be) and now to have him so sick has to be devasting. All the medical information is more than my brain can absorb, but it is obvious he is getting very good care which is worth the cost. It is wonderful that you have access to such a good facility.

Sending lots of love and good vibes to you all still {{Hugs}}. I too check about 50 times a day for updates always hoping for any news.

Wow everyone. I'm just speechless. What a wonderful extended family we have. *HUGS* I can't sing your praises enough.

To EVERYONE for their thoughts, prayers, support, and other means of assistance.

Well, unfortunately the ACTH came back saying it is not Addisons.

Andy and I sat with Chipper and discussed what we should do. Really our only options were to either take him home, hope he keeps eating without the steriod injections, agree to more tests done, or have him PTS.

Dr. Byle feels confident that we are dealing with a Gastro Intestinal issue (like IBD or pancreatitis), but only the endoscope will say for sure.

The ultrasound came back showing he had enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. They drew some cell samples which came back as saying that the lymph nodes themselves are within normal levels so something else is causing them to be enlarged.

Andy and I agreed to have a GI endoscope performed and blood sent to Texas for the Cobalamin/Folate, PLI, and TLI tests.

Chipper's endoscope procedure will be tomorrow afternoon, estimated to be done around 2 p.m. Depending on his recovery, he may be able to come home with us while we wait for the results of both the endoscope and blood tests.

If so, that will help decrease the cost because he won't be there in ICU overnight.

As it stands, the total estimated cost is $2,700.

The endoscope results will be back in 3-4 days.
The blood tests from Texas will take about a week.

So prayers needed that the endoscope shows the problem and that it goes smoothly.

Ugh I wanted it to beo something that could be fixed right now! I hope it reveals the answer and there is some good news tomorrow. I'll be saying prayers for you all and biting my nails !

Kimmy I'm sending you lots of hugs. I know it's going to be so hard waiting for all those results, I know I always want to know everything right away and 3-4 days can seem like an eternity. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I was so glad to see the pictures you posted, Kim. Poor baby, I see what you mean - his little sides were soooooo thin. And that face - oh, Lord, what a face!!! Want to just reach into the screen here and hug and cuddle him. I'm glad he's coming home - that will be great therapy for his spirit, to be with his family. I will also be checking in at home - can't access at work, which is OK.
Hold each other tight, every minute of our lives counts!

Ko

Aw, those pictures are wonderful, just look at that happy face in the one of your sister holding him! The change is shocking, poor baby. :( And thanks Phred, for the info. I'd like to help with a donations for Chipper's stocking too. ;) Will keep Chipper in my prayers. Hope they figure it out soon. I'm glad he'll get to come home & be loved, he must miss you, Andy, Kia, and the rest.

Michelle just called to update.

Chipper did real well overnight. He wants to eat but of course can't because of the fasting. No bowel movement (they emptied him with enemas), no vomit, no temperature. She said he appeared happy and frisky and drags her when he gets his walks. (I told her she'll need ice skates today!)

Originally his endoscopy was scheduled for Noon but they are hoping to get him in at 10:30 a.m.

If he bounces back from the procedure, they'll send him home today. If not, he'll spend another night and come home tomorrow.

So keep those fingers and paws crossed!!

Paws crossed! :D

;)

If you'd like to make a Direct Contribution to Chipper's Account at the Hospital:

1) Send a Check made out to "A198 Vetrinary Teaching Hospital"
and mail to:
A198 Veterinary Teaching Hospital
College of Veterinary Medicine
East Lansing, MI 48824

Include a NOTE and Memo the check:
Apply to the account of "Chipper" and Kimberly Miller

2) -OR- Call 'em up and supply a Credit Card Number for a quick donation ...
Phone from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to the business Office (517) 353-4957
and again Specify it's for the account of "Chipper" and Kimberly Miller.

----------------------------------
OTHER DONATION METHODS:

3) PayPal can be sent to Kimmy's Work E-mail ... tell PayPal you want to send money to:

millerki @ cooley.edu
Please put "Chipper Donation" in the subject line.

NOTE: Remove the Extra SPACES in the address - put there to foil the Bad Guys.

4) Or you can snail-MAIL a check or money order directly to Kim & Andy
at their Apartment ...
PM Kimmy to learn the Apartment's Address.

We're praying the "Scope Test" scheduled for this morning tells us something ...
and there's Lab Work being sent out that will take DAYS to be processed ...
Pray for "Informative" results from those, too.

Keep *SMILING*, Chipper - we're ALL pulling for you!!!

/s/ Phred

We are definitely thinking of you all today, still, and praying for Chipper to make a complete recovery!!!!! :)

My little "Merry Christmas, Chipper, Kimmy and Andy" card went out today!!! :)

Chipper continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. I sure hope that this next procedure will tell the vets what his problem is and that it's going to be an easy treatment. I also hope that he'll be able to go home today.

Oh Kimmy, my eyes welled up when I clicked on Chipper's update thread and saw the pics. What a beautiful boy, what a precious face and oh, does he love his forever familyhttp://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/smile.gif My heart breaks to think of him so very ill but the reports are encouraging. Sounds strange to say but while I'm a bit "disappointed" to hear they ruled out Addisons, the good news is he's still spunky and wanting to eat! I hate to think of him having to go through more testing but paws crossed that they'll be able to come up with a definite dx today and start him on a course of treatment and HOME!http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/smile.gif
And I too would love to help you and Andy out with Chipper's vet expenses; they are staggering and this is the time for friends to pull together! Thank you Logan, for posting your suggestion and to Phred too, for all of his help/posting the contact info! Logan is right, you're a "keeper!"http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/wink.gif
Much love to you and the family, Kimmy. Keeping you all, especially your dear boy Chipper in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping for some encouraging updates later today!
GET WELL SOON CHIPPER!!!

Interesting news.

Dr. Byle just called and he said after much consideration he would like to hold off on doing the endoscopy because of how well Chipper has been doing today and because we haven't had Chipper for very long and his stay at the shelter was pretty recent.

His protein levels are on the way up and he's much more lively. They are starting to get the feeling they may of been dealing with a tricky virus.

He will still send the blood work to Texas to check for pancreatitis and plans to do a fecal culture to check for salmonella.

But for now, the plan is to increase Chipper's meal sizes and see if he can hold it down and keep him overnight for observation. They will then send him home tomorrow with antibiotics and a new diet. If we can keep him eating and hydrated, he won't need to go back in and we'll discuss the results of the lab work late next week.

Since we've been treating it so aggressively and haven't been given any real answers, he thinks a more conservative approach would be better than to put Chipper through another stressful and expensive procedure.


And this is really interesting because before Dr. Byle called, I got this email from Nancy, the Pet Psychic. I had emailed her telling her simply that Chipper was at MSU with a mystery illness:

hi kim,
i got your other email. poor poor guy. i checked in with him. i feel like i had the flu. i do not feel like i have a blockage anywhere. i feel like i have been put through the wringer. i am being shown the time i had a terrible stomach bug. the kind where you puke forever and cannot leave the bathroom. i feel like that is what he was going through. i do not think it is more than that. he feels drained right now. pretty weak and drained. like he has been through the wringer.

let me know how he is doing. i am not going to do his reading now as it would not be accurate as he is not feeling well. i also do not want to bother him right now.

let me know what happens. i would not worry...it really feels like a stomach flu to me or atleast that is what they are showing me. seemed to be nonstop coming out of him. poor guy. like i said, he feels drained and like he went through the wringer.
take care,
nancy


and at lunch Andy told me that earlier today he felt a strange calm come over him when he was thinking about Chipper.


Hmmmmm...

That is very interesting Kimmy and I do hope that she is right and it was just a flu bug. Glad to hear he is feeling better and hopefully we will see some pics of his homecoming.

Take care Chipper. :)

Interesting! Let's hope that's all it is. Poor guy, I hope he "keeps it down" today so he can go home tomorrow.

My thoughts and prayers are still with all of you. Come on Chipper!! You can lick this thing buddy!! We know you can :)

I'm glad to hear that the boy is feeling better- it sounds as if you are in good hands with your vets.

Get well soon, Chipper. We want to be seeing lots more of you here at PT.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ramanth

His protein levels are on the way up and he's much more lively.
They are starting to get the feeling they may of been dealing with a tricky virus.

The plan is to increase Chipper's meal sizes and see if he can hold it down
and keep him overnight for observation.
They will then send him home tomorrow with antibiotics and a new diet.

If we can keep him eating and hydrated, he won't need to go back in

---

OK - we'll buy "a Tricky Virus".

Let's HOPE that's the problem - and that it's GONE and never comes back!

Maybe Chip can do some Paw Springs and eat enough to convince the Doc to
send him home TONIGHT!

Hey Chip ~ Keep Feelin BETTER, Bub! :D

Ahhh, sigh of relief!:) More paw and finger crossing in the hopes that Chipper's troubles were realted to just that, a "tricky virus!" Great vet, taking the cautious approach, to see if he doesn't improve yet more over night. Endoscopy while routine, is still stressful and invasive. And when I read what the pet psychic said, Andy's reaction today, I got goosebumps! Hopefully this is the first step toward a complete recovery!:)

GET WELL SOON, CHIPPER! WE LOVE YOU!:)

Sure sounds like she knows what she's talking about!
Hugs to you all!!

That's great news, Kimmy! :) Things are starting to look up, and hopefully Chipper will be home with you soon! What kind of diet are they going to put him on? Perhaps all of the excitement of a new home and everything Chipper went through before coming to you guys wore his immune system down and like your psychic said...he got a very bad flu. Poor thing!
Like tats said in her post, I got goosebumps when I read that message from your psychic and Andy's reaction.

**hugs**

That's wonderful news, I also had a feeling of calm come over me when I was thinking about him and wondering how things would turn out. I didn't want to say that and sound like a kook, but that's why I said the other day I had the faith he would be okay. Can't wait until he gets home and we can get some happy boy pictures. But you can tell him for me, that if it's attention he's after, we will give him plenty without him getting sick to get it!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wolflady

What kind of diet are they going to put him on?

---

They are feeding him a Eukanuba perscription type that's made for sensitve stomachs and GI tracts. I have a feeling they'll send it home with us.

But Dr. Byle said after a few weeks, we can ween him off it and feed him something similar.

Kimmy, that's such good news. I hope Chipper will be home with you and healing very soon!