I'm sure they are giving her IV fluids, electrolytes right? Does the doctor think she's not eating because of the pneumonia? Or something else? Could she have a fungus infection of her lungs. I think you said her lungs looked good by xray. Oh I wish there were answers...what exactly is the vet saying is wrong with her? Is her heart and kidneys functioning properly? Liver? Still praying.

The doctors say they don't really know why she is not eating. Yes she is getting the electrolytes in the IV fluid but in spite of this her potassium and sodium have not gotten any better. She would not eat the food i brought in tonight but did eat about a tablespoon of pureed gerber baby food sweet potato from me. Every now and then it looks like she hiccups, or does something like a hiccup, and then jerks her head. Otherwise, she is very limp, very lethargic, but not squeaking in pain or discomfort like she did yesterday. The doctors feel that she is feeling better once they drained out the liquid in her stomach. Her lungs look very good, almost normal, but the doctor did mention something about her kidney values. Darn, I forgot to ask that when I was in. Just thought of it now after reading your post. Must call and follow up on this. Thanks, Kathy
Love, Shellie

I'm sure your little girl feels closer to you now than probably any time, even though your separated. Your love and the memories of it, are what have sustained her fight and will get her through this. Some poor little creatures never know these values and have to fight alone as best they can. Your care and love are a wonderful example, as Cassie would tell us, if she could...

Continuing to pray for little Cassie and you. I wish there was more I could do to help. You have been so wonderful through all of this and my heart breaks for you. Hugs.

Update from the doctor: Her potassium is almost normal and she is "sleeping like a baby" per the doctor on duty tonight. Hasn't eaten since I last fed her, but feeling somewhat encouraged

Shellie, I haven't been on much and completely missed Cassie's new bout of pneumonia. I am so sorry to hear this and you and Cassie are again in my prayers. Don't ever, ever think you are not a good mommy or causing this. I can't imagine anyone doing more for their baby than you are doing for Cassie. I'm glad to hear she seems to be recovering a little faster this time and pray for a continued, complete recovery.

Come on Cassie, stay strong little girl, your momma needs you!!!!

Sending prayers for you sweet Cassie

Good Update!!!
 

Excellent news angels
Bloodwork good, eating better, breathing good. Have to find out about possible kidney concerns but otherwise doing much better and might be coming home today or tomorrow.
YESSSS!!!

I keep praying for healing for you and your baby girl. I'm so relieved to hear Cassie s getting better. You and Cassie are such gifts to each other, and you are so blessed to share such a special loving bond.

Great news

You are such a good Mamma. Sending hugs and prayers for you and sweet Cassie.

Your good news just made my day :D

Woo hoo! Excellent news.

I am so very optimistic and relieved to hear your latest updates. Cassie darling if you only knew how very much you are loved and prayed for from all around the world...so much so that it truly amazes me. Your love for her is never ending and hers for you as well. Keep up the good work Cassie, you're doing great little girl. My prayers...continue.

So great to get the wonderful news:) Positive thoughts still coming your way!!

So happy to hear positive news. Good luck with Cassie's homecoming, and hope it is soon.

I am in a hurry to write this post. I am going to see my baby girl now but I have a very very important and urgent question. I think she might be coming home today. I hope. But....I happened to ask the doctor how much she weighs now, as I know she has had back to back pneumonia and not eating well, but I never expected her answer-stupid me. Why I never asked before is beyond my imagining. She normally weighs 2.4lbs on a good day. Doctor says she now weighs 1.11 lbs. I am beyond horrified. She has lost more than half her body weight. I am so panicky I don't know what to do. Please help. If anyone knows anything about putting Weight on a tiny dog that is emaciated, please please help. Linda, I could sure use your thoughts on this and anyone else that has any experience in this. I don't want to force her in a panic to eat if she comes home tonight, because she might vomit. She vomited liquid in her stomach the other night and I don't want to take a chance of her aspirating. But she is so picky and finicky now, I am desperate to put weight on her ASAP. She is skin and bones, I am sick to my soul. They are feeding her gerber baby food, they say that she is only eating the sweet potatoes. But I can feed other baby food other than ham they say. Is there any other suggestions that finicky eaters really love that is calorie rich and will put weight on her really fast. Please help, I am sooooo distressed. I don't want her to get pancreatitis with too fatty foods, but i need something really calorie rich and I don't know what else to give her that is calorie rich other than more fat in her diet. Someone please help.

Thanks,
Shellie

Shellie, take deep breaths!! If you are stressed, it will rub off on her. I don't remember and don't want to go back through the thread because I want to get this posted. Has she been on Mirtazapine in the past?? It is great for increasing appetites. Ask the vet about it if not. Hopefully she will eat for you at home...she might be more comfortable. I would also try some yogurt...she might like that. I am sure others might come up with some other suggestions.

Shellie, is she 1.11 or 1 pound 11 ounces? Ask that question. Sometimes numbers are different than they sound.

What about Nutri-Cal?? You could even see if the Nutri-Cal puppy has more calories.

It's got vitamins, it's calorie rich and you don't need to feed to much. Since it's got a consistency similar to toothpaste, you can also easily put a little water in it and syringe it down her throat if you have to or mix it in with the baby food if she won't eat it plain. One of my dogs loves it and the other one hates it!! As long as the vet says it's ok, I'd be giving her the max dose(wanna say 3 tlbsp).


There are also cans of high calorie food you can get. I believe it's prescription from the vets and I can't remember what it's called right off the top of my head, but I can look for it. You could also feed her puppy food as that has higher calories. Royal Canine makes a mouse for mother and puppies that she may eat for you. It comes in a 3 pack and is in a white box.

Question for people more knowledgeable than I: is something like ensure or boost something that can be considered? Those are usually1.2kcal a ml. (Very high caloric value) I just don't know if it is good for Yorkies, since it is a human supplement.

Here are a few things you can try....

**Hills(Science Diet) A/D~It is also a mouse and you can easily feed it in a syringe. It's got a lot of calories packed in a small amount of food. THIS is what we would feed critical care patients at the vet clinic I worked at!! You'll need to get it from a vet.

**Royal Canine Recovery R/S is pretty much RC's version of the A/D. I believe this is also prescription food.

***Stat High Calorie Liquid Supplement is another high calorie supplement than can be added to food or fed in a syringe.

Linda, its 1.11 lbs. I know, its beyond horrific, but thats what the doctor said
No she has not been on Mirtazapine, thank you so much, will ask the doctor
PorkieYorkie-Nutrical-great idea!!!! Will ask vet. Is refusing the high calorie Vet food AD. Never thought of Royal Canine Mousse, will ask Vet, thanks!
Marilyn-excellent idea, will asking-making this list as I type....
Off I go, thanks everyone
Love,
S

I really have no great feeding advise, just wanted you to know, I'm here for you any time...praying for Cassie always.

Yes, there is one that can be given....I gave it to one of my pups. I completely forgot about that. The specialist sent it home with him. DUh....there is one for dogs that is exactly the same as the human one...I just cannot remember the name. Shellie, since this is a specialty place, they really should be able to advise you on this. Maybe they dont have a nutritionist? Another idea is to look around on PetDiets - VNC putting your pet's health first .. for more than 20 yrs! and if you don't see anything, ask a question..there is a link for Ask the Nutritionist. She is a board certified vet nutritionist and is great about answering questions that are submitted!

Kewl! Since my knowledge is limited to human nursing, that is where I have to draw from. Hope it helps!

My finisky eater is thriving on the diet Dr Remillard gave for her - of course she does not have an health issues, but it am a real big fan of hers!

Like Linda mentioned mirtazapine - we use it in the human medical field to help folks with appetite, so thT could be a good idea pas well.

I just pulled his records...it was Vanilla Ensure Plus. Shellie ask them if that would be ok for her. Not sure if she will like it...he was getting it via a stomach tube. But...certainly worth a try if it is something they advise.

Linda, you were right! The doctor apologized. It was one pound eleven oz, not the 1.11 I thought it was. So thank you so much, I never would have known to ask if not for you. However, a little more upsetting, the doctor called with update saying Cassie not going home. Black tarry stools. Blood count dropped. They think possible ulcer. Monitoring her blood count. Her catheter not working anymore and if they have to do another they are talking about putting one in through the jugular. OMG!!! May need possible transfusion, but that is if her count cannot be stabilized. Will consult with internist about proper calorie rich food for Cassie. Doctor says ok to nutrical, and the recovery royal canin, but no to boost, insure yogurt and mirtazapine. Doctor says she IS eating now and the mirtazapine is not going to give her a voracious appetite, so she sees no benefit. Same with the yogurt. She says it's not going to accomplish what I want it to. Will consult for other calorie rich food, but first must make sure no more bleeding and blood count is stable. Have to go will keep all update.
Love to all
S