Update on Joey's progress - what a night!
 

Hi everyone -

Well, Joey came home last night with his feeding tube down his nose and an "e collar" on (one of those dome shaped plastic things that go around his neck so he doesn't scratch off the feeding tube). Well, apparently the e collar doesn't work too well, because we had him home for three hours and he somehow managed to get the feeding tube loose.

Well, we were worried and took him back to the emergency vet. There was nobody on duty who was qualified to put the tube back in (hard to believe, but ok). We were actually so happy to get the tube and the e collar off of him, because he looks so much more healthy and happy without it.

We told the doctors that we would try our hardest to get Joey to eat naturally - so this morning we tried EVERYTHING. He just will not eat on his own! Jeremy (my fiance) had to take him back to the emergency vet this morning and he is there now getting a new tube placed back in. In the meantime they took more xrays and blood tests to make sure he isn't hypoglycemic. My fiance is upset because this is costing so much $$$$$, but I told him I will do whatever it takes to get Joey to recover!

The good news is that while Joey had the feeding tube and e collar out he managed to crawl out of his "litter box" (he came home with one from the vet, because he became so attached to it) and into my lap to give me kisses.

The poor little guy is a little curved because when he was stepped on the lack of oxygen to his brain created some neurological problems. The vet expects a full recovery someday, but for now he can't walk and he leans to the side. He also has a terrible hacking cough because of the lung contusions. It is SOOO hard to see him like this. It makes me cry.

Please keep the prayers coming so he gets better fast. Mommy and Daddy love him so much.

I really hope that Joey will be well very very soon . He and you are in my prayers .

Wow, what a journey. I'm very happy to hear he's doing better, though! That's so sweet that he came and gave you kisses! It's amazing how fast they become part of the family...who can put a price on the health of the ones we love? Nobody!

I'm glad he is home now. I hope he recovers soon.

Joey
 

Oh Joey evryone is pulling for you! Hugs and kisses!

WOW,,, what a trooper he is!! And you and your fiance!!
I pray everything goes well, and he will be fine! That has to be SOOO hard seeing him like that, I cant imagine!

You are so good to be doing all of this for him, alot of people would give up! I am praying for Joey!! What a little trooper!

When my Honey was diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes we spent close to $2000 on her surgery - we didn't tell a lot of people exactly how much we spent, but they knew it was an expensive surgery. I got tired of defending what we did to people who thought we shouldn't have bothered.

It wasn't her fault anymore than it was your Joey's fault for what happened to him. When we adopt our dogs, we make a promise to them that we will care for them and most times that means more than just love, food, and shelter!

No one would have questioned us spending that kind of money on a child and Honey is like a child to us. We have a responsibility to our dogs to give them the care they need!

I know this is a tough time and we are definitely praying for you and Joey.

I am so thankful that he's improving! We will continue to keep him in our prayers! ;)

I jokingly refer to the U of Illinois vet school clinic as the "Cinder Ensor Memorial Hospital!" We are in around $7000 for Cinder's knees, but she is sooooo worth it! Joey will bring you much more happiness than money in the bank! God bless you and your fiance for not giving up on him!

:getwellso Glad to hear joey is doing better ,me and scrappy will be praying for a fast recovery.

amazing how strong these little ones are...you have a great little fighter!

I so agree with Honey's mom - If we can help it's our responsibility... and that's awesome that he's home - I really hope he gets stronger dailey and you have your baby back soon...in the meantime - lots of hugs and kisses to little Joey - what a trooper he is....hugs to you :)

Wow, he's improving alot already. It won't be too long and he'll be back to his old self. Hang in there! :D

I am so glad he is doing better. He sounds like such a loving puppy. I know when mine was sick she wouldnt give kisses. Its so cute that joey is. Mine cost me $$$$$$ at the vet too but it is sooooo worth it. I have the most wonderful dog who gives lots of kisses now. I will continue tp pray for Joey. Hopefully he will eat on his own soon.