Harley update..

[terri]

hi everyone :075:...sorry for not being on here much..
referring back to my other thread..having a bad week..
well this 2nd week is continuing to be just as bad..
harley as some of you know was admitted to my vets last thursday for x-rays/ bloods tests ect..
vets phoned me yesturday with all the restults...
well he has just been left at my vets again this morning...( i'm worried sick is an understatement..)..
basically..
harley is now having a specific blood test done..and an elbow capsule biopsy ...done today..
and i have another few days wait for a diagnosis..
they think harley has an auto immune problem..were the body is attacking itself..
basically the last tests all came back negative..for septic arthritis..
and the patholigist have given a list of things that harley should be tested for..
one of the things the pathaologist said is SLE ( systemic lumpus errythemetosus), which is a auto immune problem..
which would also fit..with the high white cell count vets have found..and an unexplained high tempreature..which has been proven is not to do with infection...
vet has said he really hope it is not this..
they were also some other things the vet is checking for..
but i just feel so alone..helpless and worried sick..

i just want my boy happy and well again..

please can you keep your thoughts and prayers going for my handsome boy..

i'll be pleased to get him back home again tonight..
vet has also told me to stop all the medication. as of yesturday.as harley may have to go on steriods..and have said as harley has been on metacam..the two will not mix..and may cause stomach ulcers..

will update you when i know more..

loadsa love terri
x

[Pink Gundog]

Oh Terri im sorry your having to go through all this worry :075: I hope everything works out ok soon for you and your babies :075::075::075: I know what the worry is like and my thoughts are with you sweetie :075:

[terri]

:075:thanks pg

i'm feeling an emotional mess at present..
one min i think i'm ok..the next i keep crying..
i know everyone has problems..
and i also know owning any animal at some stage can cause huge heartache..but they also bring me persoanlly a huge amount of joy and happiness..
its the not knowing...and the feeling of helplessness..
ignore me..while i'm typing this i have tears streaming down my face..
i'll be happier when i get harley back home tonight..
love terri
x

[Fluffy]

oh terri,you really are going through it with worry:075::075:sending you millions of positive prayers and thoughts chick:075:hugs and kisses for harley :006::075::075:xxx

[AngieBaby!]

Our precious babies put our emotions though the wringer at times don't they. I really feel for you hun and am sending both you and Harley loads of positive healing thoughts :075:

[MightyMouth]

Don't panic!! Auto immune disease is a terrible thing I know pet but it is livable with and you can (with the right drug regime) give them a lot more years.

Chloe had AIHA which is terribly dangerous. The body attacks its own red blood cells so basically they just go so anaemic that they slip away. The disease was recognised right away, steroids were given and then withdrawn (relapse), given and withdraw (relapse) and then given permanently although reduced to a maintenance dose after a while. Also added were Azathioprine which is also an immunosuppressant and Chloe lived for another 7 years! They can give stomach tablets to safeguard against the tablets doing any damage.

What I am trying to say here Terri is the drug regime is the most important thing. I know the thought of steroids is frightening but Chloe took them most of her life and never had a single side effect and as I said, her dosage at the end was very low...5mg every other day. Don't see this as some sort of death sentence because it isn't. It is however, very worrying and I am so sorry that this has happened to Harley.

Just one more thing. Please, please do not get Harley vaccinated any more. Vaccines are designed to flood the immune system but the drugs Harley will be on suppress it. My vets never wanted me to vaccinate Chloe until one day I saw a locum who wanted her boosters done..........I told him exactly where to put himself. :055:

[Beth]

So sorry you're having to deal with this Terri:075:You're not alone though, we're all thinking of you and Harley.:053:

[Nessie]

Aw Terri - thinking about you - it is so hard - but we are all here for you in the land of virtual friends!
Love and hugs from me and the pooches! xx

[Theresa]

So sorry you're having to deal with this Terri:075:You're not alone though, we're all thinking of you and Harley.:053:


From me too xx

[Sandra]

So sorry you're having to deal with this Terri:075:You're not alone though, we're all thinking of you and Harley.:053:



And me. Keeping everything crossed for you and darling Harley, I hope your vet can give you some difinative answers soon so that you can plan your course of action. xx

[cbaker023]

Am thinking of you and Harley, don't have much experience as Marty is my first dog but i know how worried i got when he was just in for his 'boy op' so i can't even imagine how worried you are now.

But everyone on here is thinking of you and i hope things get better soon.

Lots of Love and Hugs!!
XX

[Karma]

Thinking of you and Harley!

[Tanya]

oh crap Terri, so sorry to hear - I hope you get some positive news back from the vets, and as MM said, a good regime to manage whatever it turns out to be. Lots of hugs coming your way for you both :075::075:

[terri]

thank you all my friends on vc..:075:
an update on my handsome boy...
i'm in pieces at present...
vets have just phoned..
and they feel it is better for harley to stay in the vets tonight..
they have not done the tests..
as they have also decided..rather than putting harley through multiple anesthetics..
tommorrow they have booked a laproscopy , and are going to do keyhole surgery..to have a good look at the elbow first..then flush it all through..then take the biopsy..rather than just taking a biopsy..then finding or being told to go into the elbow and flush it through..vets also said..that because there has been gunge..which is'nt infection or septic arthritis..then by cleaning it..they will get a true reading for a biopsy ...
so hopefully this time tommorrow i can go and get him..it was not the news i was expecting..the vet said he will make time tonight if i wanted to go and speak with my vet..although we have just had a huge phone call..me in tears most of the time..and to phone then anytime..if i have any questions or want to know anything...
and i can go into see him tonight..which i really want to do..but for harleys sake..i won't..purely because he will think i've come to take him home..and i can't :069:..
all i know is i'm doing everything i can and hopefully with my vet..i can at last get whats wrong with him..i just hope and pray its nothing nasty..
they said harley is doing ok..he's been made comfortable ( which again is the main thing)..and has been put on fluid therapy..??
i am going to phone my vets later tonight..and will be on the phone first thing in the morning..as he is being transfered to the emergency vets overnight, so someone is there 24 /7.and the laproscopy and all the tests will be done there tommorrow..

its going to be a long night for me..and another night of worry..
i've just got to try and hold my feelings together..for all my other dogs..
and i'm trying so hard to keep postive..but am not succeding in that one..

please keep praying..and sending postive thoughts for my harley..
and as soon as i have more news ..i'll keep you all updated...

thank you so much..for all your messages..and for being my cyber shoulder..and for just being here..

i've never felt so low as i do at present..and i can normally cope with anything life throws at me..
but this really feels like its breaking my heart..and the feeling of helplessness..is awful...
i don't think i've ever cuddled the rest of my lot so much in the last few hours..so go and give your gorgeous pooches big hugs....
i really wish i could cuddle harley right now, and i know he is in the best place possbile....but i'm sure the nurses are spoiling and cuddling him ....

all this is really hurting me big time..its the not knowing..

i'm sorry for being so emotional..but i'm sure you all know how i'm feeling..
thanks any everyone for all your support and kidness..
love terri
x

[Tanya]

i'm sorry for being so emotional..but i'm sure you all know how i'm feeling..
thanks any everyone for all your support and kidness..
love terri
x

You never have to apologize for being emotional :075: We would all be the same in your shoes. It sounds like you have a great vets practice there that are doing all they can, and keeping you well informed :) I hope he has a comfortable night, and you get some positive news tomorrow :075::075:

[Sandra]

You never have to apologize for being emotional :075: We would all be the same in your shoes. It sounds like you have a great vets practice there that are doing all they can, and keeping you well informed :) I hope he has a comfortable night, and you get some positive news tomorrow :075::075:

Here here couldn't have said it better. Try to get some sleep tonight (difficult as that may be) you are going to need all your energy to nurse your goreous boy when he comes home. Keep us posted.

[jean]

all my positive thoughts are heading to you and harley. xx jean:075::075::075:

[Pink Gundog]

Terri, dont be sorry for being emotional :075: We are all here to listen and support you whenever :054:xxxxxxxx

[MightyMouth]

I agree. Being here for each other is what this place is all about Terri. Don't you apologise. :075::075: Positive thoughts from us here and big hugs to you xxx

[Theresa]

Aww sweetie you poor wee doll....what a nightmare for you :062:

[Pink Gundog]

Terri :054: This is a wee song that reminds me of the people and support on here :054: Just for you babes :044:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWGDeBFLsf8

And another!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSDh94eQTAk

[lisalh]

Terri, dont be sorry for being emotional :075: We are all here to listen and support you whenever :054:xxxxxxxx

Couldnt have put it better xxx thinking of you xxx

[Meerkat]

:054::078: loads of love and hugs and positive thoughts being sent your way :078:

[terri]

thank you pg :075:for the songs..and messages and thank you to everyone else who have left messages of support and kindness..:075:
i have'nt really slept much last night..
and have just rung my vets this morning and they said harley had a comfortable night..and he is due to go to theathre at 12 ( noon) today....to have the laproscopy, a full flush of the joint..and then the last thing they will do is take the biospy of the joint..so i'm keeping fingers crossed that he will be back home with me later today / this evening..they are going to phone me later on..
i know he is in the best place possible at present..and i'm trying so hard to keep positive..but an failing on that one at present..
it will be lovely to get him back home..and i can try and relax at bit more..then i will have a few more days of worry...until i get the results of the biopsy..and am really hoping and praying it is something that can be controlled....and nothing nasty...

so once again..thank you to everyone..for all being so kind..and for just being here for me..
i really wish i could personally thank you all..also just to say a big thank you to all of you have have also sent me pm over the last couple of days too...with your kindness..
and hopefully..i can start to feel myself again..and stop crying...i'll be better when i can see my baby boy and bring him back home with me..and all the rest of my cockers..and also to get the results..so at least i can then know what i am dealing with...

will let you know later today how things went..and also i'll try adding a photo of harley on here later on when i get him back home..

once again..thank you does'nt seem enough..as you've all been great at trying too keep me sane..please keep us your kind thoughts and please keep your positive thoughts coming for my harley..
loadsa love..:078:
terri
x

[Sandra]

Oh Terri I'm glad Harley had a comfortable night. I hope all goes well for him today and keeping everything crossed that he will be home with you later.

I will drop you an email shortly, but I had an emergency dash to the out of hours vet late last night with one of our piggies :069:and I didn't get home until the early hours.

I just want to send mega vibes to Harley and any other furries out there who are unwell, there is too much illness around at the moment.

[lisalh]

So glad to hear Harley had a comfortable night, will be thinking of you both today :075::075:and hope to hear he is back home soon xx

[MightyMouth]

Good luck to Harley for later on and big hugs to you Terri. Chin up xxx :075:

[AngieBaby!]

Sending lots of positive thoughts for Harley and I hope all goes really well today. Whenever my two have to go in for surgery or tests etc., I always try my best to turn those knots of worry in my stomach into positive energy by visualizing the whole event with a successful outcome. To keep me occupied and not biting my nails down to the bone, in my minds eye I spring clean the vet's surgery, I cleanse all the surfaces and service all the equipment to make sure everything is in pristine working order. Then I send an energy boost to the surgeon, nurses and anaesthetist to make sure they're feeling on top form and then I concentrate on my pooch on the operating table and put him or her in a bubble of protective light, free of germs and full of healing vibes. So whenever a worry knot creeps in (which is only natural) I counteract it with a positive thought - that way I know I've done everything I possibly can for my little precious ones while they're away from home. Here's a big cyber hug for you Terri and Harley.:075:

[terri]

vets have just phoned me...to say they were about to take harley to theartre...
and they will phone me as soon as they can after...
i'm not sure now if my baby will be allowed home ..another night now..i think it depends on what they find...
as they were only going to do a biopsy..but have decided to have a look in the elbow as well....
please keep your prayers going for my baby boy...

and my heart also goes out to fiona..and the sad news about gari...


will update you all later...
x

[MightyMouth]

Lots of positive thoughts coming your way Terri :075:

[terri]

i'm really sorry..
i can't talk at present..
vet has just phoned..although harley has come through the anesthetic..
which is fantastic..
they are keeping him in again tonight..for pain relief..
they have had to make a bigger incision...
does'nt look good...vet is phoning me back later..
and i have to wait for the results..

sorry just so upset at present...

thanks for all your wishes
love terri
x

[Helen]

Don't panic!! Auto immune disease is a terrible thing I know pet but it is livable with and you can (with the right drug regime) give them a lot more years.

Chloe had AIHA which is terribly dangerous. The body attacks its own red blood cells so basically they just go so anaemic that they slip away. The disease was recognised right away, steroids were given and then withdrawn (relapse), given and withdraw (relapse) and then given permanently although reduced to a maintenance dose after a while. Also added were Azathioprine which is also an immunosuppressant and Chloe lived for another 7 years! They can give stomach tablets to safeguard against the tablets doing any damage.

What I am trying to say here Terri is the drug regime is the most important thing. I know the thought of steroids is frightening but Chloe took them most of her life and never had a single side effect and as I said, her dosage at the end was very low...5mg every other day. Don't see this as some sort of death sentence because it isn't. It is however, very worrying and I am so sorry that this has happened to Harley.

Just one more thing. Please, please do not get Harley vaccinated any more. Vaccines are designed to flood the immune system but the drugs Harley will be on suppress it. My vets never wanted me to vaccinate Chloe until one day I saw a locum who wanted her boosters done..........I told him exactly where to put himself. :055:

when you posted on COL ages ago about Harley I did suspect an AI issue - just seemed to fit, but I thought it was a bit of my over-active diagnosis syndrome coming in.

Mighty Mouth has said it all here, don't panic - and also join the CIMDA forum - which is a forum which is specificially for dogs with AI disorders. They will be able to help with any questions and will arm you with all the information you need to know (that your vets may not....). Most of all, they've all lived with dogs with AI disorders so know what you're going through.

Hugs to you and Harley, keep strong both of you xx

[Helen]

i'm really sorry..
i can't talk at present..
vet has just phoned..although harley has come through the anesthetic..
which is fantastic..
they are keeping him in again tonight..for pain relief..
they have had to make a bigger incision...
does'nt look good...vet is phoning me back later..
and i have to wait for the results..

sorry just so upset at present...

thanks for all your wishes
love terri
x

oh god missed your post when I posted mine...

Keep strong Terri

xxx

[Sandra]

Stay strong Terri, our prayers and thoughts are with you and Harley. Much love S and the gang xx

[terri]

hi everyone..:075:
you must thing i'm some kind of nurotic person...
i just get so emotional when it come to my own dogs...

basically..now i have stopped crying for two mins...
harley was in theatre for 2 1/2 hours..
basically..vet did'nt like the look of the elbow / bone or surrounding tissue..so decided after doing a laproscopy that he would make a much bigger incision..
harleys cartlidge..has totally disintergrated..and basically the bone is rubbing on bone..and the bone and surrounding tissue does not look right..
so they have taken multiple samples of both tissue and bone fragments..and this has been sent away ..along with many blood samples for different things to be checked...
he did have blood taken last thursday..which showed high levels of white blood cells..
vets have now got to find out what has caused this..weather an autoimmune problems..something more sinister..( don't even want to think along thoose lines)..or he said an endocrine ? problem...
not sure what that is...
vets have decided to keep harley in for pain management tonight..( 2nd night away from me)..
i'm going to phone vets later tonight..
and i keep saying it..but i'm hoping and praying i can bring my baby boy back home tommorrow...
some of the results should be back on friday..some may come back on saturday if not then i have to wait until monday..
so i'm not sure what will happen to harley with regards the bone..leg..ect..waiting for the results in the meantime..or weather they will just keep him pain free until then..
i know hes best in the vets...and i'm just feeling sorry for myself..and selfish..as i want him back home so much...
and hearing to awful news with fiona and poor gari...i just want to give my harley a huge cuddle..and i can't at present...

so again..i just feel so alone..and so helpless...

and the not knowing what wrong..or whats caused all this..is killing me with all the pain and heartache..

please, please keep your positive vibes...coming..

thanks again everyone....:075:
love terri
x

[Tanya]

oh Terri, I know how desperately you must want him home, but sounds like they are doing the best to help him with any discomfort he is in....we've had our little siamese in hospital for a week at a time, a couple of times, and it is heartbreaking when all you want to do is have them home in their own environment.......:062:

Feel free to pour out your emotions here whenever you need to - we understand totally :075::075:

[Freckle Face]

Oh Terri, I am so sorry to hear this.

Lots of positive thoughts winging your way.

Remember we are here if you need us :075:

[lisalh]

Terri-only wish I could do something to help in some way, am thinking of you and Harley xx

[terri]

i have just phoned the vets...( as i could'nt phone..as i've been awake since 4.15 am this morning...so have waited for a reasonable hour..) harley had had a comfortable night..
and the vets gave him some chicken and rice..
but at 2am this morning he had really bad diawositis..bless him..so they have put him on another drip...they said they are fairley sure this is beacause he is getting stressed out..( as today is the 3rd day he has been in the vets)..
so they are going to get the vet to phone me asap when they get in this morning..and she seemed fairly confident..he will be allowed home today...

so fingers crossed..i get my baby back...

and then i just have to await the results of the tests..

thanks for all your support
loadsa love terri
x

[Fluffy]

oh terri,i,m hoping with all my crossed fingers and toes,harley comes home to you today,he,s been through enough so have you,so to come home and have kisses and gentle cuddles would be lovely:044:you,ll be in tears when you see him,i always am if i have to pick my kids up..i stand there blarting lol..just trying to cheer you up chick:078: lots of love,and add another kiss on harleys list from me too,xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[terri]

thank you fluffy..:075:

[terri]

vets have just phoned......
i'm trying not too get my hope up too much....
but my vet is traveling from my vets over the the emergency 24 hour practice..to go and check on harley...
and he is going to phone me back later..
but i think harley will be coming home today..........

yea............:059::059::059::059:

[Tanya]

but i think harley will be coming home today..........

yea............:059::059::059::059:


aw I hope so Terri, he must be missing his mums cuddles :075::075:

[Nessie]

I hope so too - the being apart is soooooooo difficult!!

[lisalh]

Hope he is home soon for you terri xx

[Max]

Really hope he's back home with you today

[terri]

hi everyone..:075:vets have just phoned.......
have almost had to plead with the vet too let harley come home..as he now has a really bad upset tummy ontop of everything else..( but this is because..he has never been crated in his life..( and is stuck in the vets kenneling crates)..and my dogs are never left..they are with me all day and all night..even if i pop out..hubby is at home..so for my baby to have been away for 3 days..he is pinning for his mummy..
they also said he has started to not eat again..beleive me harley is very fussy dog..not that i have spoilt him..but he likes being hand feed..( i know i've made a rod for my own back)..so again not his normal routine..bless him..they also said..he is in some discomfort..( and i did reply back with..yes but he was cut open..had a laporoscopy shoved into his elbow..tissue and bone fragments taken for biopsy..and i never thought he will be leaping coming out of the vets..i laughed..and also followed up by saying..hes proberly hobbling alot more than when we took him back in on tuesday..)

so i'm feeling very apprehensive. about what i'm going too see ,and elated..happy..i even have a pocket full of tissues...( incase i cry)..
but at 5pm tonight..i did'nt think i'll be saying this..but my baby boy is coming home to mummy..
i know we are still not out of the woods..but at least he is hopefully going to feel happier at home..surrounded by 24 hour love, care and attention..
so we are one step nearer..
and now i just have to wait all the results..

after all the heartache over the last few days..i feel so nervous..and happy all in one..
i'll try and get a photo of my precious boy tonight..just so you can see how brave he has been...
once again thank you so, so much for all your message of postive vibes..( please keep thoose coming...as i await the results..)..
and for being her to suppoort me through all my heartache..and my tears..
you are all a very special bunch of people on here..and i'm so glad i'm apart of this special forum..

loads, and loadsa of love..:075:
terri
x

[Victoria]

I am glad to hear he is coming home Terri. I hope he is on the mend soon.