2/11/13 A New Letter from Our Hercules

2/11/13  Here’s a new letter from our Hercules:
Hello everyone!
Sorry to be away for so long.  We have been very busy at my house.  My folks took a little vacation which meant that I got to get away with lots of stuff with the pet sitter!  My new tricks include stealing things off the kitchen counter and climbing up onto them too (rear legs completely off the floor with elbows up – better for checking things out).  I wouldn’t want anyone to think that I can’t get into as much trouble as the next pup just because I have some minor rear leg issues!  Lately there haven’t been too many goodies on the counter though, which is a bummer!  They must be figuring this trick out.  I will have to come up with another new one soon.
The new Pawsitive Steps Rehab office is apparently coming along well and mom says that I will soon get to go to work with her everyday, which will mean lots of car rides and play time for me.  It sounds like lots of fun, so I am looking forward to that.  In the meantime, I have been going to the mall and obedience school and spending lots of time playing in the snow.
Stay pawsitive!
Hercules (& Dr. K)
Dr. Tari Kern
Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Tari Kern, DVM, CVMA, CCRP

Update on Mobile Home Kitties at Tigerlily

2/6/13 Update on the Mobile Home Kittens from our friends at Tigerlily Cat Rescue. Please continue to pray for the remaining. Although the initial rescuer thought she was doing these cats a favor by bringing them into her home, the conditions were ripe for infectious diseases to run rampant to the point at which those with the weakest immune systems, succumbed to the deadliest. Here is the update ~ diana

“Hi Diana, sad news… we lost the little orange bobtail last night. He was the first one admitted, and in addition to the panleuk symptoms, was also showing elevated ALT/SGPT (liver) on blood work that they hadn’t yet determined the reason for. He had been the one with the consistently higher temps and when the fever finally broke, his temp plummeted to 98. He went into cardiac arrest around 6pm. They had been able to initially get the heart beat back, but it was fading and they could not get him to breathe on his own…. we had to make the difficult decision to put him to sleep….
The other two that are still in the hospital, as of 2am this morning, are holding normal body temps and blood glucose levels. and are both eating some, so we are hopeful.
Of the 4 at the foster home, 2 are showing no signs, 1 has to be coaxed to eat but then will on her own, 1 we are concerned about – but he did hold down the syringe fed food and is holding down the antibiotics. He is getting subcutaneous fluids once a day. He will go into the vet if he stops holding down food and meds or shows any other negative changes. The foster reported all were playing late last night.
Just wanted to give you an update, as I know you have a lot invested in these kitties too… Sometimes we just cannot win the fights but we will keep fighting. Tigerlily Cat Rescue”

Missy Update

2/5/13 MISSY UPDATE: “I have Missy home with me as of last night. She is eating and wagging her tail a little showing baby steps of improvement. Her IV is in and I’m administering medication throughout the day while giving lots of love. She seems to be thriving better in a home environment rather than at the vet hospital. Paws Crossed.” ~ Gina

Kittens with Feline Distemper

These kittens were 5 of 13 cats in a mobile home. 4P1H has paid to neuter and spay 7 of them and Tigerlily Cat Rescue has taken them into their organization.

UPDATE:On February 3, 2013, Tigerlily Cat Rescue informed me that all 7 kittens have contracted the Panleukopenia Virus which is highly contagious and deadly. It is very often called “feline distemper”. It is within the same family of viruses as parvovirus in dogs and operates similarly — diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, lack of appetite, etc. It is not often seen because it is the “P” in the “RCP” vaccines that cats get. Like parvo, there is no “cure” and its a matter of supportive care with IV fluids, antibiotics, etc. and hoping that their little bodies can fight it off. Three of the cats were immediately hospitalized and are in serious condition; the other four are being treated at home. Please say your prayers for these babies; they have been through so much already. 4 Paws 1 Heart will be sending some medical dollars for their care but the hospital bill will be pretty substantial. ~ diana

MISSY – HIT BY A CAR; NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS

February 4, 2013 Additional information from Gina: Missy was hit by a car and she was an owner surrender. We allowed the family to relinquish rights in order to provide the financial and medical support Missy needed otherwise humane euthanasia was the alternative. In this situation it was best for Missy to stay in our care for more than one reason, and when she is healed she will go to a rescue group for fostering and placement. I’ll keep you updated as I know more.. ~ Gina
February 3,  2013 – 4 Paws 1 Heart took in Missy a 3 year-old Maltese, who was hit by a car and arrived with a broken jaw and a proptosed (popped out) eye.  The eye had to be surgically removed and the jaw had to be wired. Dr. Matt Heinz did both procedures and Missy is on her way to healing.  She needs your prayers for a speedy recovery!

Once healed, she will need a rescue group to take her in and find her a forever loving home.  Gina