Zeus Update

[skinnyman]

TweetFor those that do not know, Zeus, my 4 yr old Brindle Boxer became very ill about 6 weeks ago. To the point where he slept all day and, when he got up to eat, was having fainting spells. Luckily and for the most part, he was caught before hitting the ground. Brought him to the ER on a sunday night, they took blood and found he was anemic (very low RBC count and it is the RBC's that carry oxygen to the vital organs). Docs were not sure what was causing it so he stayed in there for a few days to run tests. While in the ER they conducted tests as a process of elimination to determine the cause. First the did an ultrasound on his heart then another in his abdominal area in case of internal bleeding. Good news is they both were OK, bad news in that they still don't know whats causing it. Next they did a bone marrow biopsy which would show either cancer, an infection, or some poison he may have eaten. Good news, all negative. As there were no other possibilities he was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. Meaning his own body is destroying the immature RBC's before reaching the bloodstream. Since the diagnosis was made, they gave him blood transfusion to pump his RBC's, hormone shot to stimulate the bone marrrow and started him on meds. He came out of the ER with several battle wounds, shaved areas and 8 pounds lost. For the past few weeks we have been been frequenting the Dr for bloodwork, many transfusions and hormone shots. Just this week, he is showing signs of improvement. Immature RBC's jumped from 10k to 82k and his total RBC count went from 20 to 25. Zeus should be around 50-60 but its still a good sign. As all this has been taking place with the ER stay, biopsy, hormone shots, transfusions, and meds we rang up a tab of over $8k. Before making progress decisions on the testing, i would ask the Doc for probable outcome. Always told me he could not tell. Zeus may recover and Zeus may not.

I know as I've heard from many folks, $8k is alot to spend for something like this. they say I should have put Zeus down, gotten a new dog and saved a boat load of cash. And yes, I got angry with them for saying such things about a family member. I learned to let those comments go as I know what was right in my heart. Zeus is so young and I would do it all over again just knowing I gave him the best chance possible to live a long healthy life.

We go back to the Dr's next week for more bloodwork.

[BABY1]

TweetGlad to hear Zeus is doing better. Would love to see some pictures of him.

[6p6]

Tweetmy pit is named Zeus so I have to keep up on your updates! glad he is doing better!

[skinnyman]

Tweet

Glad to hear Zeus is doing better. Would love to see some pictures of him.

i'll post some pics once he gains some of his weight back and the shaved areas grow back. right now he looks worse than he is

[MrzDiva]

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I know as I've heard from many folks, $8k is alot to spend for something like this. they say I should have put Zeus down, gotten a new dog and saved a boat load of cash. And yes, I got angry with them for saying such things about a family member. I learned to let those comments go as I know what was right in my heart. Zeus is so young and I would do it all over again just knowing I gave him the best chance possible to live a long healthy life.

We go back to the Dr's next week for more bloodwork.

For us animal lovers they are part of the family or as one of our children. I'd do anything for my booboo if I still had him. Your a great person for doing what you did. I hope Zeus gets better and I can't wait to see pics of him.

[Blackfoot]

Tweetyou're right for not listening to the critics skinnyman. glad to hear your family member is doing better. keep fighting the good fight.

[skinnyman]

TweetAnother update......

Zeus has been recovering well. Over the past few weeks his RBC's have been increasing. Originally his count was 17 and over the past several weeks they've increased to 35. Normal is 45-60. Zeus is much more active, picking on my wife once again when i'm not home, and playing with his toys. He also is loving all the extra attention he has been getting since we thought we lost him. Still on meds but weening off.

Very happy with the choices we had to make not knowing his survival.

[daved150]

Tweetya know....i'll admit it....when i hear these story's thats the first thing i think (and actually have said to friends)....39cents for a bullet is alot cheaper!! but...i reality...i would probobly do as much as i could, without depriving my kids, for our lab. we had to put him down a couple years ago and it was like loosing a son/brother. killed me and the wife. we still have not gotten another dog and probobly wont. i actually do want another, but i dont think it would be another yellow lab....i miss that dog. so...i say it, but i dont really believe it (my friends do know this). i'm glad he's better bro

[skinnyman]

TweetOk, just back from the vet, yet again and and additional $300 later. Zeus is improving though not thru it all yet. His RBC's went from 35 to 38, still an improvement. Doc is keeping him on meds and we go back in two weeks. His activity can be increased a bit but still need to control. All good signs

[MrzDiva]

TweetThats great !!.. Good to hear Zeus is improving ..

[BABY1]

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Ok, just back from the vet, yet again and and additional $300 later. Zeus is improving though not thru it all yet. His RBC's went from 35 to 38, still an improvement. Doc is keeping him on meds and we go back in two weeks. His activity can be increased a bit but still need to control. All good signs

Great to hear!! He is worth every penny and we would have done the same thing.

[tn94z]

TweetGreat news man!! We have two boxers (Bella and Gabby) at home and we would do the same thing you did. I used to be one of those critics, but I have changed my tune since I've had these two girls. Their personalities are wonderful and I for sure consider them one of the family. NO way I would not do everything I could to help my babies out!!!