This is an old picture, but it shows Bourbon at a happier time.
About 2 weeks ago he began vomiting, and having blood in his stool. It is likely that he has an upper GI bleed of some kind, but no cause can be found. He has had x-rays, ultrasound, and an endoscopy, and his PCV continues to drop. At this point his PCV is 17% (his baseline value at his last check-up was 44%). Today they gave him a transfusion but there is nothing else we can do.
We are picking him up from the critical care center tonight, and bringing him home. We are not planning to pursue it further. He is on a few medications for ulcers and upper GI diseases, even though we don't know if he has an actual disease, or got "into something" around the house that is not showing up on the tests.
And, as if that's not enough, the vet confirmed yesterday that Bourbon has progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic condition that causes complete blindness in a matter of weeks or months. It strikes between the ages of 1 and 6 - in the prime of adulthood. If Bourbon survives this mysterious bleeding, he will be blind.
I don't even have the words to describe how very sad we are. Bourbon, however, is happily licking and cuddling up to everyone he meets. He is the sweetest dog, oblivious to his future.
To a dog, today is all that matters. Sometimes we could learn a thing or two from a dog.
4 comments:
How very sad for all of you. Coraggio!
Anita, I am so sorry and so are the girls, they read along with me. Hopefully Bourbon will be as comfortable as possible. You guys have done a great thing for him by adopting him and giving him a wonder home filled with loving people!
Bourbon's condition seems about the same today. His poop was brown this morning, not black - which suggests the bleeding may have stopped or at least slowed down. So that is a good sign.
As for his vision, he has already lost much of his signt. He is easily frightened by new objects and loud sounds. He can still see pretty well outside in the daylight but probably can't see much in dim light. We have been reading a lot about living with a blind dog, and supposedly they have a high quality of life (as long as you don't re-arrange the furniture in the house!).
Rob and I are so very sorry to hear this. I can't believe he survived Katrina and now is getting hit with this double whammy. We're definitely rooting for him.
It always amazes me how resilient animals are. There's something to be said for not being able to feel sorry for oneself.
Keep us posted.
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