Tuesday, September 25, 2007

More tests

Thanks guys, for helping me to look for my appetite. I think some of them came back. I managed to finish 3/4 of my dinner last night, but my M had to split it into 3 portions for me, coz I don't feel like eating after a few mouthfuls. So she kept them and gave it to me every hour or so, until I ate most of it.

Anyway, I took another chest x-ray at the vet. The vet said the improvement is only slight, and when he listened to my chest, it still sounded abnormal. Also, he's concerned that my improvement may only be temporary due to the steroids he gave me a week ago.

Here's my x-ray done a week ago.

Chest x-ray on 19 Sep


The circled red areas are the cloudy patches. The vet said that a normal lung should look dark, somewhat like the circled blue area.

This is my chest x-ray done yesterday. It looks a little darker partly because the film was not placed flat on the screen, but can still see some improvement.

Chest x-ray on 24 Sep


The vet says that he would prefer to take a lung sample so that we know what kind of bacteria I have and to see if the antibiotics given is the most appropriate one. So I'll going back to the vet later. It's a 15 min procedure, in which I will be knocked out. They will intubate me, and give me oxygen at the same time when they take the sample. The vet says they will inject a type of fluid into my lungs, then extract the fluid again and send it to the lab for tests.

However, my immunity will be lowered after the procedure, so I still have to return for antibiotic injections everyday. The vet says that the results will take a week to be out, and once we know what bacteria it is, he can give me the right antibiotic for that bacteria. However, it is also possible that the results will not show anything, but he thinks that will be a good sign, because it means that my current antibiotics is working and the bacteria is now so small that it's not showing up in the tests. So either way, we'll know more after the tests are done.

So paws crossed everyone!

16 comments:

Shannon said...

Hi Herbie,
I'm very sorry about Chuckles. I'm still pulling for you though. Eat plenty, sleep plenty and think positive.
Best Wishes
Shannon

Anonymous said...

Clever M to split up the food!

Herbie,

Hang in there. We are sendig more good vibes over.

Huskee and Hershey said...

Hi Herbie,
*crossing paws* I really hope whatever that is bugging you goes away soon... You need your energy to fight against the infection so pls eat your meals ok?

Girl Girl Hamster said...

I think the pawsitive vibes is working again. Will keep our paws crossed until your health gets better Herbie. I hope all your test results come back saying that you'll be better soon

~ Girl girl

Charlie said...

Hang in there Herbie and keep your strength and spirits up. And same for Herbie's mom - hang in there!!
- Charlie & his mom

Anonymous said...

Herbie Herbie!

I'm having all my paws crossed for you. And and, i'll be praying really hard for you too! So, keep strong & keep the faith beating ok?

i wuff you! :D

Nick.

Lacy said...

woofies, herbie!!!way to go on eatin almost all of ur dinner...and sory u still no feelies good....butt do watt the vet and ur M says and with all these vibes and prayers u should b back to normal soon...

;)lacylulu

Joe Stains said...

crossing paws 30 times a day for you!

Molly the Airedale said...

Paws are always crossed for you, Herbie! Keep eating all of your dindin, okay?

Love ya lots,
Maggie

Buster the Wired Fox Terror said...

Oh Herbie! Keep eating big guy. Lots of loving lickies.

Bussie Kissies
Buster

Faya said...

I will have my paws crossed for you till the results... Kisses, Faya

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Herbie - hope the procedure goes as well as possible for you. You are in our thoughts.

River

The Brat Pack said...

I'm sorry you have to go back again for another procedure. :( Hang in there, you'll get through this.

Love,
Tucker

Anonymous said...

Herbie,

Thanks for the update and the films of your insides!!! I think it was smart of your M to split up your food!!! I am sorry that you have to do the surgery for the vet to see what is in your lungs, but hopefully it will tell your vet what he needs to know to give you the best medicine!!!

We will keep ALL paws crossed for you!

Hugs,
Sitka

Amber-Mae said...

My paws are crossed for you Herbie.

Love licks,
Solid Gold Dancer

Sunshade said...

Herbie!!! That X-rays looked A LOT better than the first one. Not perfect but we know you're improving and her Herbster is going to be BACK!!!

I'm so happy Herbie, keep fighting ok??

Love nibbles,
Miss Sunshade