Evening update - Blood work results!

Heartworm:  NEGATIVE!!!  


Blood work results were what you would expect for a starving dog having thousands of fleas sucking the life out of her.  Red blood cell and hemoglobin counts were low but not dangerously so.  Dr. Kolar doesn't feel a transfusion is necessary, the blood counts will build up over time as her strength does.  Other counts were low but others were normal (I don't know what all of the individual counts mean).  All I know is that Dr. Kolar was very happy with the test results and I think somewhat surprised given the extreme state of flea infestation and emaciation.

I asked him if he felt there were any underlying blood borne diseases and he doesn't feel there are any lurking.  If there were,he is confident they would have shown up in the blood work.  He said that there is most likely some permanent organ damage but it should not affect her quality of life.  Seriously, if any of you saw this dog in person you would not be able to believe she could stand up and walk, let alone have blood work results this good.

I keep telling our volunteers that I just keep waiting for the bad news.  It just seems to good to be true that she is doing this well this quickly with no other issues like heartworms or other disease.  I am thanking my lucky stars and am not going to question the luck she is having.

He did another bandage change on her leg today and once again everything is looking greyt and progress is slowly being made with tissue regeneration and blood flow is still good to her upper leg and paw.

I took her outside today for just a few minutes (it is 100 degrees or more here in Oklahoma) and she just cruised around the front and checking out the grass and foliage.  She wasn't too thrilled about not having free run of the clinic today.  Kolar was treating a dog and she couldn't be off leash the whole time.  She is getting used to being the resident vet dog and thinks she should have Lightning privileges.  :)  She was able to walk around some but she mainly came up for pets to anyone sitting down or standing still long enough.

I know I keep saying this over and over but this little girl is just an amazing spirit.  She has gotten everyone there wrapped around her little paws.  She has been through so much in her short life, yet she is completely trusting.  She just seems at peace with everything and has that greyhound attitude in which she knows everyone will love her.  I am so glad she has her spirit intact, she is definitely a heart stealer.

I hope you all have a lovely evening.  I am sorry there aren't any pictures.  I wanted to spend some time with her today without worrying about the camera.  We will try and get some pics and maybe a video for your enjoyment tomorrow evening.