As promised, here is the update on Leroy’s re-check appointment for his IBD.
Recap:
Back in February Leroy started having a mild IBD flare-up. After speaking with the vet via phone, since Leroy didn’t appear to be overly sick, we decided to start him on his regular medication routine for IBD and check his levels the following month to see how he was doing.
By the time the appointment came around Leroy’s flare-up seemed to be on the upswing. He was eating, his stools were back to normal and his weight was ideal. The only thing that was off was his albumin (protein) which was at 1.7 (normal is 2.6). The vet felt that this was a good sign for Leroy because there wasn’t any evidence of fluid build-up and he felt the albumin was on the rise.
The game plan was to stay the course and re-check in about 6 weeks.
Everything was going fine and then it wasn’t.
When Leroy is in the midst of an IBD flare-up I watch him like a hawk. He was doing great, eating, awesome formed stools, good attitude. I was looking forward to the re-check appointment and see that his levels were up.
Then Thursday happened.
He didn’t eat all his and at first stared at it like it was foreign.
Then he went outside and had explosive diarrhea.
He was lethargic and struggling to get up.
The vet appointment the next day would reveal that his albumin level had dropped to 1.5.
It was a disappointing result to say the least and I’m struggling to stay positive this time.
Right now Leroy’s back up to his full dose of steroids and we’ll be re-checking his levels in 2 weeks.
If he goes any lower the vet said he’ll be getting into the critical area and that he may need to be hospitalized.
Leroy’s currently doing o.k.
He’s not great but he’s been worse. He’s eating and that’s good.
I can tell that his body is tired but I can also tell that he still has the fight left in him.
In addition, he has a tumor on his right eyelid. This is a different tumor than the skin tag that he had under the same eye which just fell off one day. A few people have asked me about the tumor since it’s visible in some pictures. The tumor is not going anywhere right so you’ll continue to see it.
The vet took a good look at it on Friday and he’s not super concerned about it.
In his words, “That’s the least of Leroy’s concerns right now.”
Unless the tumor miraculously falls off one day, it needs to be surgically removed and Leroy’s body can’t handle surgery anytime soon. The vet did do a corneal eye stain to make sure that it’s not rubbing against his eye and causing any ulcers and thankfully it’s not.
We are putting eye drops in his to eye see if it brings down any of the inflammation.
So that’s all I got for you. Right now I’m feeling defeated by this disease.
Thank you to everyone who sent positive thoughts. I know they help.
I’ll make sure to update you all after the next visit.
Kristin
Tuesday 8th of May 2018
Jen and Leroy, we are sending big hugs! I know this is so hard, I know the feeling too well and have said the same thing but our big dogs also make amazing recoveries and we hope leroy is feeling better really soon.
Jen
Wednesday 9th of May 2018
Thanks so much for the postive thoughts Kristin. I usually try to stay so postive but this time was just ahrder for some reason. He's doing ok, no worse so I take that as a good thing right now.
JeanneP
Monday 7th of May 2018
Oh Jen...I am really sorry Leroy is not feeling well right now. I am sending lots of hugs and prayers to both you and Leroy. Feel better soon Leroy!??
Jen
Monday 7th of May 2018
Thank you so very much Jeanne <3
M. K. Clinton
Monday 7th of May 2018
I love Leroy and it breaks my heart to think of him being sick again. We are sending our very best prayers and good juju his way. XXOO
Jen
Monday 7th of May 2018
Thank you for loving him. It's so hard to see him when he gets sick because his personality is so big. <3
Mandy
Monday 7th of May 2018
So sorry it is not better news for you guys. I know how much it sucks and I know how stressed and disappointed you are feeling. I know you are like me and would rather ourselves be sick than our pups. You are taking such good care of Leroy and I know you are going above and beyond to keep him happy and comfortable. I am sure it helps Leroy just to have you there going through all of this with him.
Jen
Monday 7th of May 2018
Thanks Mandy! Oh how I wish I could switch places with him! He's been so strong for the last several years and I have to believe that he's still got a bit of fight left in him. I know he's getting tired <3
Jan K
Monday 7th of May 2018
Our hearts and prayers are with you and Leroy. Keep fighting, buddy!!
Jen
Monday 7th of May 2018
Thanks so much Jan <3