Sunny D has a Stomach Tube

[ladyjane]

Oh, the things I have learned from fostering and owning yorkies. The myriad of conditions is just unbelievable.

Many of you know about my foster Sunny D. He recently had a problem with renal failure and hypertension. He had a blood clot to his tongue and ended up with 1/3 of it being necrotic. The necrotic part was removed last week. Animals can adapt but it often takes time for that to happen.

He had a NG tube put in when he was in ICU last week which is a feeding tube in the nose so that we could give him tube feedings and meds until the tongue issue settled a bit and he learned to eat and drink with it as it is. He did not adapt well yet to that and while he seemed to be drinking a lot...he really was not getting enough water. I was giving him extra but probably not enough. He ended up with his BUN and Creatinine being very high and ended up back in ICU the other day. (He had been there previously for about 5 days). He was put on IV fluids and yesterday there was not much improvement. We discussed letting Sunny D go...but then opted to give him just one more day. Amazingly his values went down to half of what they were and this morning when I went to see him, he walked into the room wagging his tail at me! It was so good to see him that way! So...after lengthy discussion and the internist consulting with the surgeon it was decided to put a G tube in. The internist was concerned about giving Sunny D anesthesia because of his kidneys ... usually they put a tube in under general anesthesia with a scope and that takes about 20 minutes. The surgeon had a quick 5 - 10 minute protocol and procedure that she felt would be safer for Sunny. Dr. Jones told me that Sunny D was back in ICU quicker than he realized he had left to go for the procedure!! Just amazing!! Now we will be able to give him larger feedings and more water and it can be left in for a longer term. Hopefully his renal issues will continue to improve...they had previously on a renal diet. He had gotten a stomach virus which is how all of this started. Then, I am so hopeful he will learn to live life with part of his tongue gone...I have read some stories on the internet about dogs without tongues or missing part of them. There are not many stories, but some were encouraging. I am just SO glad that we can get that NG tube out...it was really bothering him and I hated doing it to him. It was a short term solution and I was trying to help him learn to eat and he was getting upset about that....now he will be able to learn when HE wants to. There will be no rush to remove that tube.

We are going to see what Sunny D' s labs look like in the morning....and he may be discharged! Dr. Jones already did a consult with the vet nutritionist and she is working on a diet for Sunny D.

[rubynrosie]

High hopes that things continue to improve!!

[msyorktown]

Oh my...this little guy has been through so much, what a fighter he is. Glad he is doing better.

[jacquelinebabco]

I always stand in awe of the situations you are involved in and what a special gal you are to these unfortunate sick babies! Thanks for all the compassionate care you so freely give to the pups!

[KimInMD]

I so admire your love and dedication to these babies. Thank you for all you do for them each and every day. I will pray for Sunny D's complete healing and rehabilitation. Keep fighting, Sunny! We are all pulling for you. Hugs!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Still praying for poor little Sunny and that his lot in life will improve. Seems as if he's had far more than his fair share of bad, bad problems and my heart hurts for him. He's bound to wonder what is going on - but no, I know better! Dogs aren't like that. They seem to have eternal hope and hang on through the worst of things with the best attitude in the world. They are all my heroes.

[Lolasmom1211]

Dear Sweet Linda - you prayed for a miracle for Sunny D and it looks like you got one! I am so happy he has improved, and I know how happy you must be. I will continue to pray for both Sunny D and you...!

[Lisa and Pic]

Hope there is some good news for Sunny D this morning. Bless him and you.

[roseslevi]

Prayers for Sunny D and for his Momma, who has had a very busy couple of months at her house. Hope he continues to improve.

[Yorkiemom1]

I am so happy they opted for a "G" tube (PEG) as that will be MUCH better tolerated than a NGT. Feeding and hydrating him will be a breeze....just be sure to irrigate it after the last of the food is instilled, to keep the tube from getting clogged up. So thrilled to hear he is doing so well! What a little warrior!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I am so happy they opted for a "G" tube (PEG) as that will be MUCH better tolerated than a NGT. Feeding and hydrating him will be a breeze....just be sure to irrigate it after the last of the food is instilled, to keep the tube from getting clogged up. So thrilled to hear he is doing so well! What a little warrior!

We had talked about it in the beginning but the hesitation was because of his renal issues and the risk of anesthesia; but it is now at a point that he is not adapting quickly enough and he must have proper nutrition or he will die due to that. I am just totally amazed at how the surgeon did it so quickly and with less offending drugs .... I love that place! They have really been awesome with the three very sick pups I have had lately. Of course it does not come cheap and I my resources are really getting to be depleted but thankfully I was able to come up with the money and take care of them all. Sunny D's vetting will be refunded to me at some point but honestly all I care about is his health. When they are in my home, they are the same to me as one of my own. One thing I plan to do next week when I can breathe is to purchase insurance for my personal healthy pups. I had said that about two months ago and drug my feet and Teddy's little adventure last week slammed me. A simple condition that could have been much less, ended up costing a bit over $7,000. I won't leave myself open like that again...haha! But..then again, I suppose I am by waiting for a week but I have to breathe some!

[rubymoon2072]

so happy sunny d is doing better. prayers for continued success.

[Marhcarter]

Wow, you have your hands full, don't you? Positive thoughts being sent your way!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Marhcarter

Wow, you have your hands full, don't you? Positive thoughts being sent your way!

I have to say that it is the worst run I have ever had.....I always figure when it rains for a while the good that follows is equal... So, looking forward to the good days.

I have always dealt with sick pups but never had so many go so bad at the same time like this and to top it off having my own stuff that I honestly wanted to ignore but could not.

Thanks so much!

[jeane]

you are truly a blessing// hope Sunny D continues to improve