Snoopy is Having Testing Done - Prayers Needed

[4 Dog Mother]

I am not sure how Snoopy is doing. He sleeps most of the time, gets up drinks water, goes out to pee and begins the cycle again. It is very hard to get him to eat and I would say he is eating a 1/4 of what he should be. His belly is still full of fluid but he does not seem to be as clumsy as he was.

In reference to what Amy said about taking him off phenabarbital. My vet's office has been wonderful. They called on Saturday to see how Snoops and I were doing. I told the vet tech what medicine they had put him on and asked if they could do some research for me. She said sure - that they were there to support us in anything we needed. A couple hours later one of the vets called - the vet that normally handles Snoopy is away at a conference so Dr. James called and was so very nice. She had looked up Keppra and said that what she found indicated it worked better given 3 times a day - so we worked out a schedule for that. I told her how out of it Snoopy was - poor guy could barely walk with both medications in him. The research she had done told her that Keppra begins working right away so she felt we should take Snoopy off Phenabarbital immediately and also the Potassium Bromide because it also is hard on the liver. So his last dose of those meds was Sunday morning. He is still sleeping alot, still drinking and peeing and still not eating much but he is much more alert and not so clumsy. He has been able to jump up on things without losing his balance and falling backward or off even.

Giving him the Keppra 3 times a day is obviously going to depete our month's supply quicker but in the meantime, the vet's office is going to look at other alternatives that maybe won't cost as much. I feel very lucky that this vet and his partner took over this practice about 2 years ago. The last vet was very good but I don't think she would have gone to the extra effort they are to find a way to help.

So for now Snoopy is holding his own. He is a very different dog - so subdued, quiet, and sleepy. Those who have met Snoopy would not think it was the same dog. We had company last night and he did not even pay any attention to them - all he wanted was me to be near him. It is very, very sad to see Snoopy brought so low. I just hope we can get the old Snoopy back.

[pitc9]

{{{HUGS}}} to you Snoop!!

[ChrisH]

Poor Snoopy. Sending hugs & love for you both, prayers continuing.

[lizbud]

Still thinking & praying for Snoopy. I do hope he starts to improve a little
every day. Hoping his appetite returns slowly but surely. ((HUGS))

[dukedogsmom]

I hope you get the old Snoopy back soon, too. I know it's hard to see him like that. Give him some hugs from me. I'm so glad you have a vet willing to do all it takes for him.

[loveallfurryfriends]

I'm praying for Snoop. I hope that he starts to feel like himself soon. I know how difficult this is for you and your family. I will keep you guys in my thoughts. Sending BIG GIANT HUGS!

[kimlovescats]

I'm so sorry that poor Snoopy is just not himself. I'm glad to hear that he is getting around a bit better though. I hope things can get all worked out for him soon! It's wonderful that your vets and staff are being so supportive!

Hugs,
Kim