7.29.2013

July 29, 2013

Nuka and Quinn, have a special relationship...always there for the other.
White Dog was pleased that Nuka's swollenness had gone down considerably and i was glad that Steve had the foresight last night to take a photo with his phone to show Dr. Julia. I called our vet and got Coral who said, "Hey! How are you and the White Ones?" "Well, Coral, it is Monday and you just unlocked the door and I am calling..." "Who needs us?" "Nuka, but I know Mondays are incredibly busy for you so if we can just figure out a course of action..." and I gave her an quick outline of the situation. She put me on hold and came back a few minutes later to tell us that Dr. Julia wanted to see Another White Dog and could we come at noon?

Shaking and pressed tightly in my arms, Nuka endured Dr. Julia's initial peek under her tail at the problem and the unpleasantness of having her temperature taken. Dr. Julia's reaction was that the swelling was a result of irritation cause by her diarrhea. She was more concerned that Nuka had lost two pounds since her last visit in May.

Nuka has been struggling to put on weight since her battle with a serious acute pancreatitis attack in the Spring and weight LOSS was exactly what was not needed. Dr. Julia ordered blood drawn and a panel done.

"Let's wait to see the bloodwork but I think our girl is at the very early stages of another pancreatitis attack. Even though she still has a healthy appetite I think her extremely upset system and her increased consumption of water are indications."

Coral brought Nuka back to the exam room; she stayed with her to massage her shoulders in an attempt to calm the panting White One. Dr. Julia returned shortly with the lab results. Sure enough her pancreas and liver levels were nearly as high as they were in the Spring; the kidneys, fortunately, were fine. No signs of diabetes or other scarier possibilities. Not the original reason we thought we were coming in but we were all very glad that this was caught early.

Nuka has both acute and chronic pancreatitis and will probably suffer spikes of it throughout the rest of her life. Her reactions are much more pronounced than Quinn's, who also has the chronic issues which are nearly totally controlled by diet. The White Dog Army eats a low-fat healthy diet that is fished based and none of the pack is overweight (save Yo who Dr. Julia would like to see a bit lighter although he claims it is just his extra floofiness that deceives her).

We were sent home with instructions to continue the ointment until the area is normal again and to give Nuka an anti-diarrheal for the next week. For now she is just to have her salmon and sweet potato kibble fed in small amounts several times a day (the rest of the Army is going to want into that plan, I guarantee). Of course we will keep in touch daily with reports and vitals. We will slowly reintroduce her homecooked foods and supplements based on her ability to digest and process.

Hopefully we have avoided a major crash and poor Nuka will bounce back quickly. How she will EVER gain weight on her low-fat bland diet, though, just has White Dog shaking her head in wonder. "No cheese? No leftover carrot cake? Well, at least they didn't take away her duck jerky (only one small piece, though)!"

12 comments:

meowmeowmans said...

We are thankful for Dr. Julia and Coral, and their expertise. And thank goodness things were caught early this time -- we sure hope this means that Nuka is feeling lots better real soon. Purrs, prayers and hugs to you all.

nancyturtle said...

I didn't meet Dr Julia today but I think we met Coral. I was most impressed with her handling of the dog we brought in. Makes me wish I lived closer to Albuquerque.
I sent Beverly's website to your AOL email. Let me know if that's not correct. nancyturtle at gmail dot com

White Dog Blog said...

Nancyturtle, Coral has the most amazing healing touch. She does massage therapy and had Nuka calm enough to close her eyes in rest during the exam/discussion. Dr. Skains (Julia) is practical and empowering, trusting us to take charge of a lot of the WDA's continued care and decision making. Got Beverly's info, she seems wonderful...will send you both info about Paws To People. Let's try to schedule some time for a visit/ photo viewing.

24 Paws of Love said...

Poor Nuka. Sorry her bum is so sore and her pancreatitis is acting up again. We hope for a swift bounce back too and hope she's feeling better soon.

rottrover said...

So glad you caught this early. Sending rottie strength...

Bart, Ruby and Otto

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Nuka, I'm so sorry this is happening to you again. But at least it was caught early.

Feel better soon.

PawHuggies....

Kari in Alaska said...

Sending my love to Nuka

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

bbes tribe said...

Thank you for stopping by to visit. Your words of support and comfort means a lot to us. So sorry to see Nuka is not feeling well but glad you have a great vet And all your experience. She and all the WDA are in very caring and loving handsets you. Hugs to all
Wags
Ernie,Chica,Lucas,Rosie

Brian's Home Blog said...

I sure am glad it was caught early and the all better will be showing up soon!

Random Felines said...

poor Nuka - but better to have caught it early....and to have such a wonderful vet

Bailey Be Good! said...

Sending lots of woofs & prayers your way!! :)

~Bailey & Nala (Yep, we're girls!)

Anonymous said...

jordan outlet
jordan outlet
kd 13
hermes handbags outlet
birkin bag outlet
jordan outlet
hermes birkin bag
off white shoes outlet
off white hoodie
kyrie 5 spongebob