Tucker's Vet Visit
 

Just got home from the vet, didn't hear exactly what I wanted to :(. Since yesterday Tucker as been just violently chewing around his tail and his front right paw. We put his muzzle on him and medicine so he wouldn't irritate it anymore. But I guess that didn't stop him from licking it throught the night.. When I woke up this morning he had sores alllll over his back side :( so I made an appointment at the vet. When we got there Tucker's usual vet, who has helped us with his liver shunt problems was swamped with emergencys, so we decided Tucker was too miserable to wait and saw another vet. It turns out he has a fever and infection in his skin :( . We were given prednisone (sp?) to help his itching stop, and another antibiotic to get rid of the infection. So, now he is on 4 different medications, and I'm afraid it is going to upset his stomach. What do you guys think about prednisone? It is a steriod right? He only has to be on it for approx. 14 days, you think that will be okay? Also, the worst news was that even though he is extremely healthy considering his condition, the longer we put off the liver shunt repair surgery the more dangerous it will be. His liver could fail in a few years and there's nothing that can really help him from that point :( The surgery is extremely expensive, and I know it has a high risk factor. I do NOT want to put him through that at this age when he can be maintained with medicine and diet and live comfortably. He might not make it through that surgery, but if it is successful it will greatly extend his life, and help with growing behavior issues associated with shunts. I don't know what to do, I think we will visit a liver shunt surgeon at A&M University very soon. Sorry this is so long, just wanted to see what you all think.

Thanks,

So sorry to read about your little guy. You might want to do a search on YT for prednisone as there was a discussion thread on this. Just can't remember when :(

Glad to hear you are thinking about A&M because I think you need to talk to people who deal with this all the time and can give you all the pro's and con's.

here's Tucker in his E-Collar, doesn't he look just completely put-out with me?

Oh poor little Tucker!
 

LOL, Megan, he DOES look a bit PO'ed, let me talk to him...

****
Tucker, honey, mama is just trying to help you feel better! You be a good boy, now and stop trying to bite your little self, OK? If you stop biting, you know mama will take that old collar off quick as anything, so settle down and be a good boy, and I bet mama will give you a treat! Here's a hug, honey!
(((((TUCKER)))))

Good luck, Megan, you have a lot on your plate right now. I cannot help you as I have never gone through what you are going through right now, but I hope you and Tucker will be OK!

haha, i think your little talked helped jaspersmom! right now hes resting at my feet. hopefully all the meds will kick in soon and give him some relief. thanks for the replys guys :)

Definael contact A & M . They sent me a research study they did ob collapsed tracheas in samll animals and I think it cost me 10.00. A vet talked to me on the phone and sent the report. The report was very informative. They may have one on liver shunts! Good Luck!

Oh, poor little Tucker. I hope the meds help him, he looks so sad and miserable. His little paw looks so raw. Please post and let us know if the meds help him. I truly hope they do. Poor little guy. :(

when rosie had mites she was put on those steroids and was fine no upset tummy just ate everything in site