12-9-09 UPDATE – JUST IN FROM SUSAN…..

Stanley is back in ICU with uremic tongue necrosis (a very VERY nasty complication that is quite rare). Leave it to my boy to contract a rare problem. He seemed to be feeling so good on Saturday and even Sunday morning, but when I noticed his incredibly painful looking tongue, I knew it was not good.

Long story short — he cannot eat at all and has been in pain as his tongue tissue slowly dies. So today they inserted a feeding tube, which he will rely on for several weeks until the tongue can begin to heal and he can learn to use the remaining vital portions again (a dog needs to manipulate his food with his tongue — the loss of that ability can be fatal). I was terrified of the surgery to insert the tube (anesthesia for a pup so weakened and ill is scary), but he came through okay thus far. The vet removed as much of the dead tissue as feasible, and the rest will need to slough off in time. It’s just heartbreaking.

I’m hoping he will be able to come home Thursday… after I get lessons in changing his bandages around the tube, how to give the chlorohexidine rinses he needs and of course feeding tube training. I know you of all people (after sweet Emma’s recuperation) understand how scary it can be to know that you have to provide extensive nursing care for your furbaby. But all I want is for my sweet boy to come HOME.

END OF UPDATE…..MORE LATER…..

Howllo Fellow Basset Hound and Stanley lovers: Well, it appears that our Stanley is still suffering from several issues. I am waiting for my next update. Stanley now has some tongue necrosis. It could have something to do with his kidney function. Let’s all keep the drool flowing for this pretty boy who finally got a great break and found House of Puddles and then Susan.

Please enjoy these wonderful picture of our boy.

Susan states,

“Right before Thanksgiving (and all of his health issues), I took Mr. Stanley to a fundraiser for NOVA Spca — a photo shoot with a local dog photographer. Here are the shots I got of Stanley — they arrived yesterday. I want this handsome puppy back.”

Oh, we hope you get him back real soon Susan. Poor, poor boy….

More drooling for Stanley later….Love, Cat, Chaps and Emma

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