Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Jaffa Update 3 - Nov. 28.07

I just got a call from Janice regarding the blood result from yesterday.

It is not good. Both his BUN and Creatinine (kidney numbers) are elevated now. His liver number (alt) is still elevated, but better than before. So his liver is on the mend. Urine Specific Gravity 1.020, so low concentration.

Here are the newest results:




I didn't really understand his last blood work so I came home and looked up in the Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods (I know... I'm a freak). I seemed to recall liver malfunction falsely lowers the reading of BUN and not Creat. His BUN was normal the entire time, while his liver was bad.

This is what I read on pg. 132 of Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods,

"Causes of Decreased BUN - BUN is decreased by decreased production (hepatic insufficiency or dietary protein restriction) or increased excretion (polyuric conditions, overhydration, or late pregnancy. Decreased BUN may be an indication for hepatic function tests (see Chapter 9)."


Hepatic insuficiency - Jaffa's liver wasn't functioning well

Polyuric (Pu) - Jaffa was having to urinate a lot due to IV

Overhydration - Jaffa was on IV while all the blood works with normal BUN were taken

That is probably why his BUN was normal before. Now that his liver is recovering, and he's off the IV, the true BUN number is starting to show.

I asked Janice, "Is Jaffa considered to be in Renal Failure now?". I had a lump in my throat when I asked, but I did.

Janice took a moment, and reluctantly said, "Yes, at the moment with both BUN & Creatinine being elevated, combined with low Specific Gravity of Urine."

Janice knows how worried I get, so she hates to give me bad news. However, this didn't come to me as a shock, I think I had prepared myself for it since the very beginning. Remember, I always imagine the worst case scenario so that when it happens, I can deal it (I hope).


Janice said she also put in a referral for us to go for ultrasound. There's always a line up for ultrasound so that probably won't happen for another couple of weeks.

Mean while, there isn't much we can do other than supplementing him, modifying his diet, and keeping him hydrated (via drinking).

Janice is e-mailing me the blood result, I will post them when I get them.

You know how sometimes, you wake up from a bad dream and realize it was just a dream? How relieved you feel?? Every day I wake up hoping this was just a dream, but reality hits... NOT a good feeling!

Elaine

66 comments:

Noah the Airedale said...

We hope all the treatment you're giving Jaffa is helping. Sounds like you just have to keep doing what your doing for him. Thank goodness you have Janice to give you advice. She sounds wonderful.
We continue to keep everything crossed for the little guy.

Hugs & tail wags
Noah, Willow, Tess & Lucy

Toby said...

Hi Jaffa,

Sorry we haven't been keeping up lately. I hope you are feeling better! My Mommy says she knows how your Mommy must feel. She must be so worried.

I'm keeping my paws crossed for more and more good news.

Keep well Jaffa!

Tobes

Shannon said...

Elaine,
My heart breaks for you and Jaffa. I have so much sympathy. All I can do is offer words of support and let you know that you guys will be in my thoughts.
Best Wishes,
Shannon

Toby said...

Elaine, I am so sorry. I can feel your pain and I understand how worried you must be.

You and Jaffa are both in our thoughts. I will pray for nothing but good news to come.

Joyce

Lacy said...

woofies Jaffa, Elaine and Ms Sunshade...me not nos watt to say...me wuz wishin we wood all wake up and it b just a bad dream...watt does janice think his chances are..u r all still in our hearts and prayers...c'on little man, please get better soon...

b safe,
;)lacylulu

Peanut said...

We are all still thinking about all of you and hoping it will get better.

Lacy said...

Elaine, please email me at lacylulu@gmail.com i did some online hunting too..and this is way to long to put in the comment section...thanks!!

claudette (lacy's mama)

Hammer said...

Hi Elaine, Miss Sunshade and Jaffa
Sorry to hear that Jaffa has been so sick. We hope he gets better very soon. Benmore was bitten by a snake when he was 13yo and because it takes so long for the poison to get out of the system and what the poison can do, Benmore suffered an acute case of pancreatitis 6 months later. He was at the vets for 1 week, but he recovered and lived another 5 years. We're sending you lots of positive energy and hope this helps.
Love from Hammer

Kirby said...

Jaffa, Sunshade and Elaine,

We've still got our paws crossed for Jaffa. We're hoping with a bit of time, his blood results will improve. From his and Sunshade's blogs it looks like he is in good spirits (if a bit hungry), so that has to be good. Keep up the wonderful care you're providing and let him know that everyone is pulling for him. We wish you all the best, get well soon Jaffa!

Your pal,
Kirby

Kirby said...

Jaffa, Sunshade and Elaine,

We've still got our paws crossed for Jaffa. We're hoping with a bit of time, his blood results will improve. From his and Sunshade's blogs it looks like he is in good spirits (if a bit hungry), so that has to be good. Keep up the wonderful care you're providing and let him know that everyone is pulling for him. We wish you all the best, get well soon Jaffa!

Your pal,
Kirby

Ferndoggle said...

Wow, Elaine...I am way behind on my blog reading & am so sorry to read about Jaffa and his situation. He's a strong boy and in the best hands possible. We will cross all fingers & paws here and say lots of doggie prayers that he is OK.

Take care,

Jen & Sherman, Penny and Lola

Pippin, the Gentle Pup said...

Oh, no--we just came to visit and found this awful news. We'll be keeping our paws crossed that things turn around soon.

Pippin and gang

Lillie Valentine said...

Sending lots of love and hugs your way. I'm gonna talk to Daisie Duke and have her keep watch over Jaffa. Momma sent you an e-mail about some meds that Daisie was on when she was sick. Her numbers were much higher but you could ask Janice about the meds and that might help too. Remember we are here for you!

Luc and Remy said...

Jaffa, barks and prayers to you to pull through this! Luc & Remy

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Sending you pawsitive vibes Jaffa. I know you're brave and will be strong for your mommy

~ Girl girl

Ben & Darling said...

We will keep thinking of you & Jaffa....

Faya said...

Vas-y mom p'tit gars ! Tiens bon ok ? Kisses, Faya

Joe Stains said...

We are sending all the good vibes, kisses, licks, hugs and positive thoughts for you and Jaffa.

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Hey Jaffaman!!!

Jaffa...give ur mom some big Dale kisses, kay...she's got to be exhausted and so worried. We know Sunshade knows how to distract her by her hunting...never knew Dales were coon dogs!!!!!

Take one day at a time, Guys...and try and get some sleep, if you can. We so wish we lived by you guys so we could help.

Healing terrier vibes....thoughts and prayers...
Lacie, Scruff and Mumsie

Marvin -The Hollow Hound said...

I hope, really hope, you do wake up from this terrible nightmare, real soon, and all is well, and Jaffa is safe, sound and well again.

Thinking of you.......

Much love, Jeannie xxxxx

Marvin xxxxxxx

Helios said...

Jaffa, jia you ok! You must get well, then you can learn more things from Sunshade. I wish my big brother is still around to teach me stuff.

Herbie said...

Jaffa, shoo shoo, go away. I'm not supposed to see you, not for another 15 years at least!

i said...

Still keeping you in our prayers and thoughts.

Luckie Girl said...

I will keep checking back on Jaffa. He's a strong boy. You have to be strong too for both of them.
Pawsitive thoughts from Luckie & Mom.

Casper and pals said...

Jaffa, we all have our paws crossed for you ( even Momma )
Keep getting better and no more eating of those Advil "candies".

Woofs Casper, Buddy and Nikki

Harry said...

As everyone has said, we are all praying so hard for Jaffa. I know hoe devastated and distraught you must feel Elaine and I hope you have friends who are helping you out and looking after you a little. It sounds like you have an amazing vet in Janice who is doing the best treatment possible for our little Jaffaman. We are here for you and wish there was more we could physically do.

Katy, Harry and Cassidy xxx

Finni said...

Keeping our paws and fingers crossed for you. Jaffa is a strong boy and in good hands.
Will keep popping in to see how you are.

Elke & Finni xx

Molly the Airedale said...

Jaffa, You heard Herbie, right? You're a beautiful strong boy that has so much to give and so much yet to do! You get well so you can boss Sunshade around! We're still waiting for this to happen!
The three of you are forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Anonymous said...

dear jaffa, my dog blackie is keeping her paws crossed for you and so am I! (my fingers, i mean.) elaine, i can understand how worried sick you must be now, but i really really hope that jaffa will get better with time. and i'm glad that you have a very caring vet.

Jake of Florida said...

Elaine,

Just checking in to see how Jaffaman is doing. The news is sad, but we believe with all our hearts that he can overcome this not-so-good condition.

Before reading your latest update, I stopped by Sunshade's blog and watched the video of Jaffa and Sunshade playing together and had to smile. Jaffa's behavior was so much like Just Harry's -- the young terrier teasing and trying to get Sunshade to play -- and Sunshade's so much like Jakey's - the mature, self-confident terrier who will play but only on his/her own terms!!

Lots of terrier love and good thoughts!!!

Joan, Jake, and Just Harry

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We wish it were all a bad dream too. We will keep purring and sending soft woofs for you Jaffa.

Riley, Tiki, & Kesey

jaffeboy said...

Oh Jaffa Jaffa, do get well soon!

Asta said...

I'm sowwy to heaw the BUN wesults..I keep pwaying that youw bad dweam can be ovew and that he wecovewes..
We all love you and Sunshade and Jaffa so much ..and awe so sad about all this. He is a stwong boy though and he'll oull thwough..I just know it..I even asked Santa to help in my lettew to him
smoochie kisses
Asta

Anonymous said...

we're all prayin for u to get well Jaffa! n jaffa's ma, take real gd care of urself yea. he is a brave n strong lil' boy... he will get past this ordeal...

lotsa pawsitive vibes & love,
velvet & family

"ME N MY MILLION DOLLAR" said...

l m sorry to said l don't know what those blood test is all about, but... l wish u well Jaffa, will pray hard for u and yr familly.

Putter said...

Hi Jaffa!

Our paws remain crossed that things will improve time ... We are thinking of you all always!

Your Friend,

Putter ...

Clover said...

Please get better Jaffa... I hope things turn around.
Sending more hugs and kisses and good thoughts.
Love Clover xo

Bogart H. Devil said...

Paws crossed!!! Come on Jaffa, I'm sending serious AireZen your way buddy!!!!!

Love,
Bogart

The Airechicks said...

Hey Guys -

In our prayers and thoughts - you guys are here in our hearts -

Positive thoughts - Please know you're very loved -

We here to lean on if you need -

XXooXXXoooXXXoo

Anonymous said...

We are sending you good vibes and puppy kisses!

Bruin and The Mom

Unknown said...

Oh Jaffa,

You are in our prayers buddy...Hang in there...we love you.

Love, Hercules

Neko said...

We are sick with worry and doing are best to keep only good thoughts and prayers for your family. Love, Neko

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Jaffa - we are sending many positivt thoughts to him that he continues to get better and doesn't suffer too many side effects. Hugs to all of you.

River

Jemma Chihuahua said...

Elaine,

I'm so sorry to hear about what Jaffa is going through. I know how horrifying this whole thing must be - Jemma ingested advil pills before, too, and recently, she was rushed to the emergency clinic for eating chocolate. I was worried sick and I can only imagine how you must be feeling.

I'll be checking back for some good news. Keeping you and Jaffa in our thoughts...

- Kathy & Jemma

T-man Angel said...

Jaffa,
It sounds like you're in very good hands with Doctor Janice and your mom taking care of you. We'll think positive thoughts that your bloodwork will improve. You're a strong boy, you can do it !!

T-man

The Black and Tans. said...

Jaffa

We have our paws crossed for you as well. We are thinking of you constantly.

Best wishes
Molly and Taffy

Gus said...

Just wanted to let you know that we are still worrying about all of you.

in our thoughts
Gussie

Jake of Florida said...

We keep checking for news -- and hope Jaffa is doing better.

Woofs,

Jake and Just Harry

Lorenza said...

I am rooting for Jaffa to make him get better soon!
I know you are doing the best for him.
Paws crossed and good vibes.
Lorenza

Stanley said...

Miss Elaine!

First, I LOVE you, JaffaMan, and Sunshade! I'm sending all the healing goober smooches I can your way.

Second, thank you for being such a good mama to my buddies. Jaffa knows he's totally loved, and I think that makes a huge difference.

Please take care of yourself. My girl can't even begin to imagine how worried you still are, but our hope is that J-Man recovers as fully as possible without major lasting problems.

Goob love & smooches all around,
Stanley (& Lisa)

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

Jaffa, we put in a word with the Great Dane for you to get better. We are keeping our paws crossed.
Dog Speed, Essex & Deacon

Balboa said...

Jaffa,

We are sending good thoughts your way, we hope you feel better soon.

Balboa & MOmmy

Daniella said...

WE are praying for Jaffa every day, that he will recover totally. Maybe we can take your mind off this nightmare for a minute by asking for your help on another matter?

Please visit my site http://wiryaxel.blogspot.com/
where you'll read about the Blainville Wire Case. It's the heart-rending story about 97 wire fox terriers that were sorely abused in Montreal in 2005. You may have read about it in the press.

Many of the poor dogs died; but some survived and were taken in by foster parents who nurtured them and brought them back to health. Now the monster who perpetuated this awful treatment is up for sentencing and wants some of the dogs back. To prevent this, we are asking dog lovers everywhere, and particularly in Canada, to sign a petition and write a letter to the judge presiding over the case. You'll read all about it on our blog and on other blogs by Jake & Harry, Gus Dagger, Buster, and Agatha and Archie -- all wire fox terriers on the DWB. But, of course, it's not just about terriers -- it's about all of us canines who can fall into the wrong hands.
Please help if you can.
Thanks,
Ax (I told Sunshade too)

Anonymous said...

Elaine, I think of you and Jaffa and Sunshade every day. I know this good, good boy will get better and live a long, healthy life. He's getting the best care possible from you and Janice. He's getting full-on AireZen from all over the world and I know that can work wonders.
Thinking of all of you,
xoxoxo,
Ellen

Anonymous said...

Oh Jaffa boy we are sending all of our powerful Airedale zen your way.

My boy Buster (RIP at 16yo) had a bought with those terrible Advil pills when he was 13yo and got through it with flying colors. Altho he didn't feel well for about week.

We are patiently waiting for and update.

Take care and keep up the good pee :)
Kat-
Bo (a gift from the Airedale gods.)
Moxie & Buster (aka the Airedale gods - RIP their mischievous souls)

Anonymous said...

Franklin and I have JaffaMan in our thoughts!!! Keep your heads up! You are doing all you can...

Anonymous said...

Hi jaffa,
I was so sorry to read that you were so ill. My mom and I will pray and keep you in our thoughts.

Rusty

Maggie said...

Jaffa, Sunshade and Elaine,
OOH NO!! your sooo lucky. my moms friend lost a doggie that ate a small bottle of Chlorpheniramine . You will be ok, ut i am still gunna cross my paws!! GET WHELL SOON
~Magzz~

The Thuglets said...

Jaffa we have all our paws crossed here for you. Sending lots of positive thoughts for you and Elaine.

The Thugletsx

Frasier said...

Hi Elaine,
You are still in our prayers
Frasier

Frasier said...

Hi Elaine,
You are still in our prayers
Frasier

Ben & Darling said...

Hugs & kisses from me & my family.

ToFFee said...

Hello Elaine,

I heard about Jaffa and we are praying for his recovery.

We know it is hard but we are hoping for a miracle.

Don't give up hope. Everything will work out fine.. be positive.

Wuffs!
Toffee and Irvi and Chris

Bailey/Tasha/Maddie said...

Hi Jaffa,

Toby's mom told me what happened and I hope you are feeling alot better now. You all are in our hearts and prayers and here is to a speedy recovery!!!

Take care your pal
Bailey/Tasha/Maddie

Murphey said...

We just read what happened, our prayers are with you at this time!

Murph and Kathleen

fee said...

hi jaffa, please tell tell your body to do what's good good for you now! must fight fight, ok ok? and please tell elaine jiejie to stop stop imagining the worst – must think think positive for strong strong positive energy for jaffa jaffa, ok?

i be sending you positive energy from here here too. hug hug.

loves,
fee