Hazel Update

It's been quite the week!!! Hazel has spent every day this week hooked up to IV's for fluids and antibiotics. Our Dr was able to get her temp down each day, but it always came back as soon as we took her home in the evenings.

Hugs for sissy after spending a long day at the vet

After numerous tests and x-rays brought no answers, our regular vet was at a loss. I received a scary call on Thursday. Her fever had spiked even higher and I was told to take her to ER for the specialists to take over. We were there for hours. An ultra sound was ordered and we hoped that it would finally reveal the cause of illness. Nope. Nothing.

We waited for hours as specialists reviewed her charts. Calls were made to other doctors, the team worked so hard to try to give us an answer. Finally, our primary dr in charge came in for the last time with a look of defeat on her face. She wanted so badly to give me answer, but once again, nothing. There were very minor abnormalities, but nothing that stuck out. She gave us some options..we could biopsy portions of her liver, spleen, and lymph nodes as a conservative measure, but she recommended exploratory surgery.

I was in no position to make a decision at that point. I was emotionally and physically exhausted, as was my girl. I could not imagine cutting her open when she was in such a fragile state. It was at this time when my fear of losing her came to an all time high. If we were going to do surgery she wanted us to be there the next morning.

We left the office with the intention of discussing it as a family. My wonderful husband is very, very good with all the medical stuff. We didn't feel like surgery was the right option for us as this point.

From everything that we have heard and researched, it was still possible that Hazel could respond to her "fever of unknown origin" with medication and time. We decided to give her the weekend to see if she has made progress. As long as we kept her temp down below 106 they did not feel she was critical. Friday, Hazel's temp was 105.5 so back to our vet we went. She was hospitalized all day, hooked up to IV fluids again, and a new drug that my vet wanted to try. It had a broader spectrum and was quite strong. We were up for anything and gave it the green light.

At this time, I was at a loss. I was so afraid that we would be looking at surgery and still have no answers. I didn't want to put her through that if they were still grasping at straws. I prayed all day.

When we went to pick her up that evening, Dr J came out with a little smile. She told me she was very cautiously optimistic that Hazel was responding to the new drug because her fever was down around 100 and it was the fastest she has been able to get it down. It also remained down even when she reduced the amount of fluids.

We were to take our girl home and take her temp before bed and then again in the morning. I was so nervous to do this because every other time she's come home from the vet, her fever spiked back up.

We were incredibly relieved when her temp was at 100.6 that night, and 100.1 the  next morning. Our vet called to check on her Saturday and was so happy to hear this! So now our plan is to continue the two different meds she is on and hope this does the trick.

It is now Sunday and Hazel is still fever free. She's eating and drinking like a champ, but I'm still guarded. She is still very weak and lethargic, and there's no sparkle or life in her eyes yet.

Though...this brought a big smile to my face.....

 

It's the very first time she has picked up a ball in over a week. It didn't last long, but it's progress!!
Shortly after that I picked up her leash to hang it back in it's proper place. She immediately perked up and sauntered over to the door. She wanted to go out! I didn't want to push her with as weak as she has been, but she has also been cooped up inside a hospital for days, and outside only to potty. I chose to take her lead and took her out front. Our neighbor's old Golden came over to say hello and Hazels tail wagged. She pulled me in the direction that we usually leave on our runs, so again, I took her lead and walked her down just about a block. She wanted to go more but I knew it would catch up to her so I made her come home.

She is currently resting and we are all feeling optimistic. I am praying that our nightmare is almost over. There was a time when I couldn't bear to see her picture, because I was afraid I was looking at life without her and I just couldn't go there. Her daddy has been such a source of strength for us both. He didn't allow me to give up hope and promised we would do everything possible to heal her and get to the bottom of her issues. The thing is, we may never know. If this is it, if she rebounds on these meds, once again, just like many months ago, we will never know what is causing this volatile reaction in her body.

Our girl appears to be a medical mystery, and I don't do well with the unknown. What makes it more bearable is the fact that I know I am not walking this alone. Her rescue family has been a huge support as are my Hazel loving friends. I thank everyone so much for being there for us...I am hoping this is over..at least for now.