Saturday, November 24, 2007

Nov. 25th, 2007 - Jaffa Update (by mum)

I received an e-mail from Janice this morning in regards to Jaffa's blood work taken yesterday, after he's been off fluids to see how his kidneys were functioning. In the e-mail, Janice said she was "VERY HAPPY" with the results, and that she would call me later to discuss.

I assumed, because she was happy about it, his numbers were actually better. My heart sank after I opened the attachment with his blood result. His kidney number Creatinine had increased yet again, from his last blood work taken a day and a half ago. His Urine Specific Gravity was low, which meant his kidneys aren't really concentrating urine. However, there were no proteins in the urine analysis (which is good). One of his liver values that was previously elevated is now normal, the other one is still elevated and higher than before.

I wasn't really sure how I should be happy about these results.

Here are the results:




Then I spoke to Janice, and she thinks that there is a possibility his liver malfunction might be effecting the reading of his Creatinine. Which I guess would mean the Creat reading you see right now, might not be a true indicator to the exact state his kidneys are in right now. Her reason being, yes his kidney indicator - Creat is up, but his other kidney number (BUN) is normal and has always been normal. Also, usually compromised kidneys would cause the Phosphorous level in blood to be elevated, and Calcium to be low. His Phos is normal, Calcium is elevated. Janice also mentioned something about not seeing any casts in urine, which meant kidneys aren't damaged. I'm not quite sure what casts are, forgot to ask.

So I guess Janice feels that the rest of the results are inconsistent with malfunctioning kidneys (I don't want to use the term "Kidney Failure", but technically, once the reading is out of the normal range, the dog is considered to be in Chronic Renal Failure. There are different stages of CRF of course, and Jaffa would be in the very early stage..).

Jaffa is still acting quite normal. His poop firmed up as soon as I added cottage cheese and cooked chicken with eggs to his meals. Janice thinks his stomach might not like the grains in the Gastro canned food because he has been raised on a no grain, raw diet since he was 8 weeks old. I can slowly wean him off the Gastro and have him on cooked chicken and cottage cheese. Janice still doesn't want him back on raw until his blood work looks better, or at least stabilizes.

I started him on a few kidney and liver support supplements since Thursday. I don't know what else I can DO...

Here's my BRAVE HAPPY BOY!!


You can poke him a thousand times, and he would still greet you with the same happy face and enthusiasm on that 1000th time. He is just so happy go lucky, loves and trusts people.

It's Sunshade's birthday, and for the first time, I didn't feel like doing anything. I feel guilty I felt this way, and she is my special girl. But everything that's happened in the past week has been nothing but draining. I've been quite emotional and I know Sunshade feels the effects of it. This really has been an unfamiliar territory for Sunshade - not being my # 1. However, she has been so patient (even tho she might not want to admit LOL), just hanging around at home. I can tell she's disappointed she's not getting her walks as everytime I walk towards her harness, she gets all perky. Then I tell her noooo, and the tail levels off, and she goes back to her bed.

Both of them did have a little something to eat with a little celebration and opening presents. Will post when I'm able.

Thank you for all the support you've given me, I'm very touched and grateful.

Elaine

45 comments:

Snowball said...

Elaine,

Please cheer up a little. I am sure Jaffa will be strong enough to pull through this ordeal.

Since Sunshade has sacrifies so much, the least you could do is smile more often for her and your smile will cheer our little brave man too.

Take care and rest more.

Luv,
Snowball's nasty jie jie.

Luc and Remy said...

Jaffa, we hope you feel better really soon! Be strong! Luc & Remy

Peanut said...

Thank you for the update. We are still thinking of all of you.

Luckie Girl said...

Elaine, it has been a long & emotionally draining week for you. We all know how much love you have for both of them and we are sure they know it too. Don't be too hard on yourself. Jaffa's a brave (& cheerful) boy. He'll be strong.
Luckie & Her Mom

Lorenza said...

Hi, Elaine.
We all know Jaffa is a strong boy and everything will be over pretty soon. Paws crossed!
Sure Sunshade will be happy to seing Jaffa getting better.
You, Jaffa and Sunshade are in our thoughts and prayers.
Have a good night
Lorenza

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Elaine, we all know that you did your best. Dont feel bad, I'm sure Sunshade dont want you to feel sad too. Jaffa is a brave boy. :)

Take Care
~ Girl girl

Kirby said...

Hi Elaine,

You are doing such a wonderful job. I could never be as composed as you are. You are providing the BEST medical care for Jaffa all the while taking care of a very wonderful Miss Sunshade. Jaffa will pull throught. The whole DWB community is sending out positive thoughts for him and you. We'll keep our paws and fingers crossed here. Give Jaffa big kisses for all of us bloggers.

Your pals,
Kirby & Kirstin

Lacy said...

hi Elaine!!! i just wanted to tell ya i fell for that little jaffa man the 1st time i came to this bloggy...he's a bouncy, cheerful little boy...he dont understand what he did and neither does ms sunshade..all they know is things r not like they use to b, but they will b soon...mayb when jaffa is out of danger, u and ms sunshade can have some alone girl time...just the 2 of u...and remember we are all here, sending healing thoughts and prayers that we will have our little jaffa man back to his old self soon...

b safe,
;)lacylulu and Claudette

Ruby Bleu said...

That's really good news!!! I hope it stays that way!!!

Crossing Paws!!! Lots of Licks, Ruby

Boo Casanova said...

my prayer goes to jaffa for quick recovery. sending all my love!

wet wet licks

Boo

Joe Stains said...

we hope you can stay upbeat elaine, we are just sure in our hearts that Jaffa will be okay!! Sunshade will surely understand, she seems as compassionate as she is stubborn :)

Faya said...

Jaffa I hope you will be better soon but please tell you Elaine to take care of herself and Sunshade....we love all soooooooo much...
kisses, Faya

The Black and Tans. said...

We are still thinking of you and praying for a full recovery for Jaffa. You are doing a marvellous job.
Molly and Taffy

Ben & Darling said...

Jaffa will be OK, I have the feeling that this braveboy will fight for himself. He will never want you feeling sad Elaine. Look at his face, he is cheering u up everyday. So take good care of yourself too. All the prayer go to Jaffa.

Molly the Airedale said...

We're all melting here at Jaffaman's sweet smiling face! You're doing your very best, Elaine and so are Jaffa and Sunshade! Stay strong! Our thoughts and prayers are always with you!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Noah the Airedale said...

Jaffa is such a good patient. They are such stoic dogs these airedales of ours.
We've still got our fingers and paws crossed here that Jaffa is 100% ok.
It's such a frightening thing to go through but you've handled it so well. Good on you, you're doing great.

Hugs
Denise, Noah, Willow, Tess and Lucy

Putter said...

Elaine, Jaffa and Sunshade ...

We are here pulling for you every single mniute ... Stay strong and take good care of yourselves ... We have very positive vibes that Jaffa is going to pull through this ordeal ...

Love,

Kate and Putter ...

jaffeboy said...

Jaffa Jaffa... U R a brave brave boy! U will be better real soon ok ok?! Then you can bring Sunshade jie jie for long long walkies.

Sunshade jie jie is very sweet sweet to you so you have to be nice nice & recover soon soon.

Did Stella Stella mei mei visit you?

Anonymous said...

Elaine, no one else could've given Jaffa the care you've provided. In some ways, he is a very lucky dog, you know? He will be fine, we are all thinking of him and sending strong AireZen.
oxoxoxo,
Ellen

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

Normal BUN levels are definitely good news! You're doing all you can, so Jaffa may just need more time to sort everything out. Mommy lost our brother Vincent to kidney failure and the BUN levels definitely matched the other elevated readings. Normal BUN is good!!!! Repeat, normal BUN is good!!!! We will contine purring and thinking good doggie thoughts for Jaffa to improve.

Riley, Tiki, & Kesey

the many Bs said...

Happy Birthday Sunshade!

Jaffa, get better really fast, dude. Okay? your mom is stressing.

Elaine, we are thinking good thoughts for you. hang in there. try to talk to Sunshade. she'll understand and it will make her feel more included.

woofers.

Stanley said...

Elaine!

Please take care of yourself some, girlie! I know you put Sunshade & Jaffa first, but you've got to get some rest too.

Thank you for being such a good mama to JaffaMan! He is the sweetest gooberboy, and I'm not surprised he's doing so well. Keep us posted. Maybe the miracle I've been praying for will still happen & NO KIDNEY damage!

GOober hugs & smooches to you, Jaffa & especially MS Sunshade! You guys will have plenty of time to celebrate!

Goober love,
Stanley (& Lisa)

Princess Patches said...

Elaine, Jaffa & Sunshade,

We are sending all the Aire-zen, hugs and prayers for all of you. Our mom had a dog (before us) that ate a whole bottle of heart pills. When Mom found the bottle, there was 1 pill of 100 left. Vet was concerned about kidney failure, but after similar treatment to what Jaffa is getting, her kidneys returned to normal and she lived a long and happy life. (Just sending some HOPE your way)! Happy Birthday to Sunshade. You can all celebrate when Jaffa is better!

Poppy & Penny (2 Airegirls in Georgia (USA)

Charlie said...

Elaine, you're doing a wonderful job caring for Jaffa! No one in the world could do better. Lean on Sunshade now - she's there for you just like you've always been there for her. We're pulling for your little guy to get through this safely.
- Anne & Charlie

Hazel Bridges said...

Hi Jaffa

Hope you're on the mend. My human says her previous miniature poodle ate a large bar of dark chocolate - complete with the wrapper and silver paper. At the time she didn't realise chocolate was really bad for us doggies so didn't take him to the vet. He looked a bit sad for 24 hours then bounced right back!!!!

He was around 8 years old at the time and made double that so keep your chin up.

Best wishes

Charlie Boy

Anonymous said...

Eooo Elaine, We have been praying hard for Jaffa, you, and Miss Sunshade. Keep us updated as time allows you to do so. Just know you have ALOT of families out here pulling for Jaffa and sending positive healing thoughts.

Hugs,
Sitka, Tia, and mom (Shelli)

Juno said...

Elain!! Your darling boy will be ok!! He's gotta be OK! I'll keep praying for him.
Please take care.

Momo xoxo

The Airechicks said...

Hey Guys:

Please be take care of Mum and whoah Sunshade what a belated birthday PAWTY you're gonna have!!

Jaffa - Thank you for being the best boy for Mum & Sunshade - no time to fret - fretting doesn't make it better.

Airezen on the way

XXoooXXXoooXXX

Lillie Valentine said...

I know that Angel Daisie is looking down upon you all and watching out for Jaffa. Take care of yourself and be strong. Let us know if you need anything.
Love and kisses,
Lillie and her hoomans

Bogart H. Devil said...

BIG GIGANTIC AIRE HUGS AND KISSES to everyone in the Jaffa and Sunshade household... we're thinking of you and have the AireZen cranked up to 11 :)

Love,
Bogart

i said...

Keeping you in my prayers. Stay strong and get well soon Jaffa.

Helios said...

Don't worry too much, I'm sure Jaffa will be back to healthy very soon! And sunshade is such a gooood aunt to be so understanding! Take care of yourself so that you can take care of them.

Helios' M

PetraZ said...

We are here in Vancouver and sending pawsitive thoughts your way.

Franki V and Connie

Katherine and Pippa said...

So sorry to read how poorly Jaffa has been. Just hope it goes ok for you all, paws crossed and lots of thoughts sent your way.

Pippa

Katherine and Pippa said...

Elaine & Jaffa
Really sorry to read this, and that we are late. We have posted something on dwb too. We hope you get lots more good vibes and that Jaffa goes ok.

Best wishes

Kate and Pippa

Marvin -The Hollow Hound said...

Elaine, we are thinking of you and poor Jaffa.

I emailed you this morning.

Take care, and what a wonderful photo of the poor sweetheart, I am sure he will pull through ok!

Keep thinking positive thoughts, not easy, but he looks a good strong boy, and a fighter! Love and much light, from Jeannie in Scotland xxxxx

and love and healing licks from Marvin xxxxxxx

Kisses to Sunshade and some Marvin Hugs.

Asta said...

elaine
We've been checking constantly..Thank you for the update, I'm sure you're really exhausted from this ordeal, but it relaly sounds like good news overall..we will continue to pray and cross paws for jaffa and hope that you get a little rest and can stop worrying so much. Jaffa is such a darling boy and knows you will make hi better, you love him so much and he feels that
smoochie kisses from Asta hugs from me, Ami

Jake of Florida said...

Elaine,

We just read about Jaffaman's sad adventure and wanted to tell you we're pulling for him. As I read the whole story on your blog, my heart began aching for all you've been through trying to overcome the effects of the Advil. Jaffa's such a brave boy, it has to turn out OK!! Paws (eight of them with our two wirey guys) all crossed.

Joan, Jake, and Just Harry

Sophie Brador said...

Elaine, WE are thinking about you all the time and keeping our fingers and paws crossed for Jaffa. He's got such an energy to him that hopefully it is strong enough to pull him through this. Kisses and smoochies to your boy.

xo
SB and Sherry

Lenny said...

Elaine and Jaffa,

We are thinking positively and optimistically - we will consider the new numbers good news too. Paws still crossed for Jaffa to feel better VERY soon.

Lenny WFT and Kelley

Ricky Pepper said...

Oh! We read about Jaffa and my mommy has tears for you all. Those Advil candies are bad, bad. We hope you get them out soon! This must be so difficult for your mommy and we are sending doxie kisses and beagle paws crossed for you to get well soon. Make sure you give everyone lots of licks when you feel up to it so they know you are ok!

xoxo,
Ricky

wally said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about poor Jaffaman! I hope he improves and his kidneys can recover. Do take care of yourself and, Miss Sunshade, be sure to take care of your land shark and your mum. I know deep down you love 'em even when he bites you. Or when she puts you on a diet. :)

wally.

Clover said...

Hello Elaine (and Jaffa and Sunshade)
Just read about you on DWB news - wanted to stop by and say hello and send you some well wishes. Sounds like Jaffa is feeling okay, and like you are doing a really great job. Hope you get some great news and that everything works out very quickly!
We will be thinking about you!
Love Clover and Mom, Jess

Frasier said...

Hi,
Had to come over to say that we are praying for Jaffa to get well
Frasier

Molly the Airedale said...

We're thinking about the three of you just now and hoping that everything is positive! The AireZen continues to flow!
Take good care of yourself, Elaine and get your rest, okay?
We love you,

Maggie,Mitch and Sue