Thursday, August 19, 2010

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.

12 comments:

  1. Your words pointed a great picture. Happy to hear about the bloodwork, and the leg :) . -- Batmom

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  2. OMG! What a fighter! Obviously she is meant to do great things on earth!

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  3. Yes I am on facebook. Jessica Lantagne. If any of you would like to send me a friend request on FB, I will be more than happy to become your friend. :) You can see some pics of my own dogs and some of my current fosters.

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  4. Such wonderful news! I am super happy the bloodwork came back good. Totally amazing like you said with her state. I can't wait to see what the next couple of days bring!

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  5. I'm so glad SweetHeart is making good progress. She and YOU (and your supporters) are such an inspiration. I've at last made a small donation and hope to make more to guarantee this wonderful hound a good chance at recovery and rehoming.

    All power to you, Cheers Spiffo (& Cami)

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  6. This little girl just continues to amaze me. She is so beautiful and I love hearing about her wagging her tail. After all she's been through she loves people and is a happy girl. Thank you so much for all the updates and pictures.

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  7. Thank you to all who leave comments on my blogs. It really does mean a lot to me. Since getting her on Friday the 13th, I have been all consumed by this girl. I have said before I worry about her like a new mother worries about her child. Then I see her and am so happy and for an hour I am soothed and think she will be greyt. Then I get home and start worrying again. Being able to write about her and share her story helps but reading your comments and having all your support makes a big difference. I can't say enough thank yous for following our little saga here in Oklahoma. And thank you to all who have donated. Every single dollar helps. Some people think they have to donate a lot to make a difference but think, if everyone donated a dollar or even five, how much that would add up to. It just takes one person to make a difference and if they tell one person and then they tell one person, well, you see what it can lead to. OK, enough rambling, I am going to bed. Tomorrow is Friday!!!!

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  8. Oh, Fasthound is on facebook. We are just getting on our facebook feet but send us a friend request!

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  9. So happy about the bloodwork results! That is funny what you said about her knowing everyone will love her; I always say about my Daphne [a rescue from Fasthound, and the 2nd love of my life] that Daphne thinks that everyone is happy to see her:) [whether they are or not she thinks they are and thats all that matters]

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  10. What an incredible story. Talk about a true survivor spirit. Please post more photos when you can. It is GREYT to see her progress!

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  11. Erika , Mom to MortyAugust 20, 2010 at 3:11 PM

    I can't say enough Thank you to you Jessica , Paul and all the Staff of Dr. Kolar and the Doc for his amazing work and Patience for this little Girl. But her Spirit alone will get her through.Thank you

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