I can’t get the damn photos I took with my phone at the vet to load.
Kendal is back to his normal, friendly, counter surfing self. The vet took a pee sample. While the protein level is a bit elevated it has dropped significantly from where it was when Kendal was sickest. We await the blood sample serology to confirm (or not) the lepto diagnosis. In the meantime we continue the doxycycline regime for another eight or so days.
It is very good to have Kendal back.
It has been a rocky few days. His energy level as well as interest in food, water, and exercise are all still off. Present, it is true, but not his normal self.
Tuesday we took him back to the vet. Dr. Vallee, the senior vet at the clinic, reviewed Kendals’ record and x-rays. He recommended discontinuing the doxycycline and scheduled an ultrasound for Tuesday morning.
That night was rough. Kendal could not get comfortable, was groaning, trembling, breathing was off. We were prepared for the seemingly very real possibility that he would not come home. Tuesday morning, Dr. Vallees’ demeanor and discussion indicated that he expected to have to give us very bad news.
Well the ultrasound revealed. . . nothing earth-shattering let alone awful. He, and we, were puzzled. He took a pee sample and requested a full culture, and gave a cortisone injection to ease Kendals’ discomfort and improve his appetite. Kendal isn’t his normal self but he definitely feels better. Better appetite, better energy, more comfortable.
Today, New Years Day, he called us with initial results which suggest a leptospirosis infection. His explanation and our research indicate that Kendals’ symptoms – lower energy level and nterest in food, discomfort/pain, diarrhea, a bit of vomiting – and the bloodwork results coincide with how lepto presents. Dr. Vallee recommended resuming the doxy which we have done.
It’s not a definitive diagnosis but it makes sense. We should know more tomorrow.
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