Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sorry for not writing much in the last year. It's been a very bad year full of health problems for my family. But, I need you guys now, please, to say prayers for Harley. We're in day 16 of this, and just found out the diagnosis as he is fighting for his life. This may be long, so thanks for listening. Harley is 10 1/2 yrs old now. Sixteen days ago we saw black, tarry diarrhea. That was Friday eve, and it was his first day of not eating. After 2 ER visits, 6 medications, fluids, regular vet visits, and ultra sound, there was still no diagnosis. He had days of eating a little but not drinking or vice versa. Then on day 9 and 10 he vomited the entire day's worth of food on both days. Last Monday, the vet recommended a specialist, and either exploratory surgery or endoscopy, as his symptoms could be from cancer. We opted for the less invasive endoscopy, and headed to the specialist Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine, on Cromwell Bridge Rd in Towson, MD. They did a second ultra sound, and also checked for Addison's Disease. His spleen is enlarged, and intestines bleeding and thickened, and his abdomen is filling up with fluid due to low albumin level. They biopsied the spleen, the fluid, and intestines as far as the endoscope could reach. He does not have Addison's. Thank the Lord, no cancer has been detected. What has been found, is severe Inflamatory Bowel Disease. Severe. Harley is now anemic, still not eating or drinking much, and the acid in his diarrhea has his whole backside raw. Like baby rash X 100. They've applied Destin all over his back side as a barrier, because very frequently, the diarrhea just oozes out of him while he lays there. He is still in the ICU of Atlantic Internal Medicine facility. They have started prednisone to reduce the inflamation. They gave him a pain med today because he is miserable from his raw back side. We go see him every day. It pains me to see him like this, but the vet says there is still hope. It all depends how he responds to the steroid treatment for inflamatory bowel disease. He is not out of the woods by any means, even when this is a benign disease. We've just about maxed out the credit card that's paying for this. What started out as an estimate of $1000 for the endoscopy, on top of the $1200 ER visits, has turned into $5400 and counting. We're so stressed out because we're wondering how we're going to pay for what's already owed, and scared that we'll run out of money when Harley still has a chance to survive. How cruel will that fate be that we must say goodbye after getting this far, because we can't pay for his care. Atlantic Vet doesn't have payment plans. I'm praying, Chuck is praying, my mom is praying, my friends are praying, and now I am asking you all to pray too. We love Harley more than anything in this world, and he still has a chance to pull through. Please pray for him. My eyes are so swollen from crying, but I just can't stop crying. And, it kills me to see Chuck cry for Harley. Chuck is not one to show his emotions, but he fell in love with Harley just like I did. Harley should start feeling better quickly if he's going to make it. Quickly meaning a few days. Please, please pray for him. I keep asking God to let us have him, that we need Harley more than He needs Harley. Maybe I shouldn't ask for this, but I am. I am desperate. He's my world. He's my baby, and he's so sick, and he needs prayers badly. Thanks for listening. I'll keep you posted. I'm going down there later today to see him. It's 5am right now. I'm sleeping a few hours here and there, so hopefully I can get a nap in before I leave. Thanks everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Many prayers to you from up in Rhode Island. He is blessed to be so loved. Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 I am so sorry Harley is so sick. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Thank you, vahoundlover and mychip1. I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Oh I'm so sorry-- I've been there. Feel free to pm me. I also wanted to mention that you might want to check out care credit. It would be able to help you with the bill-- I'm sure the clinic your pup is at will accept it-- might ease your mind as far as the $ is concerned. Fingers crossed Harley will turn the corner soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sending lots of good thoughts for Harley Quote Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker. Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 I am so sorry Harley's going through this. Kelly was diagnosed with IBD last year (although it wasn't as severe as your poor boy's) and pred treatment really turned things round for him, so I hope it has the same result for Harley. Sending loads of hugs, good thoughts and white light! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 White and prayers from another Marylander to you! RobinM went through some really dark periods with one of her boys due to severe IBD. Hopefully, she can chime in and relay her experiences. Her pup is alive and well today. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goofydog Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Oh my, healing prayers for Harley and gentle hugs for you and your husband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jerrybird Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Praying that Harley has a quick recovery and feels well soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 I am sending healing rays of white light for poor Harley and keeping you both in my thoughts. I hope that they can find a treatment soon for him that will bring relief and have him on the road to recovery. I would be careful with using CareCredit. It is nice if you can pay the entire bill before the "0%" time period ends, but if not the interest can be quite hefty at 26%. Also, you may already know this, but the term length of the 0% interest rate can be anywhere from I think around 3 to 12 months and is set by the veterinary facility where Harley is being cared for. If you do decide to use something like this make sure they give you the 12 month term. I used it once for a $2400 vet bill for Nadir thinking I'd have a year to pay it off. When I got the first statement I just happened to notice they had set the terms for only 3 months. They did fix that, I just wanted to mention these things as something to look out for so your not caught unawares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sending prayers. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 I pray, pray ,pray for your sweet Harley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sending prayers Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 (edited) Sherry and Chuck, Sending many prayers for Harley and for both of you along with I know where you are with this and it is so scarey. Should I ever hit the lottery I would put $1 mil in a trust for times such as yours, I hate that $$ can put us in such a scarey situation when facing decisions for our beloved companions. Edited January 15, 2011 by PhillyPups Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lala Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Prayers and white light Harley, hugs for you and Chuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sending prayers for your sweet boy and for your family. Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aggie94 Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sending many prayers!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Harley and his family are in my thoughts Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirocco_Nikki Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sending tons of prayers, healing thoughts, and gentle hugs to Harley and his people. Quote Drake - Fortified Power x Cajun Oriel Janney - Ronco x Sol Happy Waiting at the bridge: Sirocco - (Reko Sirocco) - Trojan Episode x Reko Princess; Nikki - (MPS Sharai) - Devilish Episode x MPS Daisy Queen;Yukon - (Yak Back) - Epic Prince x Barts Cinnamon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AEB Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Thinking of you, your family and Harley. Strength for all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Prayers for you and your sweet boy.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Many prayers for Harley.....strength for you. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MyCody Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sending prayers for Harley and the family. It is so difficult to be worried about a loved family member AND the expense of care. Vet charges are just mind boggling in my opinion, and it's never the lesser of the quote, always more. Gentle hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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