Update on charlie's abscess

[JPuckett1989]

We had to take Charlie back up to the vet yesterday. His abscess had gotten larger than it was before, and didn't seem the antibiotic they gave us was working. They drew more fluid out, less puss this time, mostly plasma. The doctor told us it was about 50% better but is still concerned about the condition so she sent a sample to the lab to find out what the problem is. Will take about 8 days until the results come back. In the mean time he's back on another antibiotic and a pro biotic.

 

[Barb04]

Sending healing vibes and also for some good news. Please keep us updated.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Thank you. The vet was talking about possibility of surgery to remove the fibrous knot. I really hope it doesn't come to that as we are in no position right now to afford surgery.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Sorry, I was wrong. They're talking about doing surgery to put in a draining system to keep fluid from building back up.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Just got back from the vet for a follow up.

They drained him again and she said it's getting better, almost no puss this time, just fluid. They went ahead and scheduled him for anesthesia on Monday. If it builds up again over the weekend back to the same size it has been, then they are going to put in a drain system to constantly drain the fluid out and have to keep him there for a few days.

 

[Barb04]

Sending lots of healing vibes.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Looks like charlie will be at the vet for a few days.

It's filled back up with fluid, again. We'll find out tomorrow for sure, but judging by the size that it's grown back, they're going to say we should go ahead and get the drainage system in.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Went to the vet this morning.

Looks like he's staying for 3-4 days. When they went in to put the draining system they found that he actually had a cyst. So they went ahead and removed it, and he has a pretty big incision in that area, about 4-5 inches according to my fiance.

He will be staying up there for a few days while they monitor him and give him pain medication.

Going to miss our little mischievous boy. Definitely quiet around the house without him.

 

[Barb04]

Hugs......I'm glad the vet is taking care of him. I'm sending lots of healing vibes that all will be okay now. He's going to be so happy to see you when he comes home.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

I hope this vet visit helps get this cleared up--healing vibes for Charlie!

 

[Renee750il]

Oh, this is tough all around -- having him stuck at the vet's and the expense, but I know you're relieved that this is going to be cleared up now!

I'm a little surprised that the vet's keeping him that long. I've never had that experience. Usually after a fairly simple procedure like that they want them home, where they'll feel less stressed.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Yea, I think it's a little overkill to have him stay there that long since they removed the cyst. Before I understood with the draining system because he would constantly be dripping blood and fluid all over the place, and that'd make for a nasty clean up.

I guess they just want to keep him there to make sure it that it doesn't come back, and make sure no infection sets in.

The expense definitely sucks, probably going to be about 200 dollars after all is said and done. We can hardly afford it, but not much we can do now, and we'll just be glad to have a healthy puppy again.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Found out they put two different drains on him, and that is why he's staying there so long. It's best we not have a dog walking around with bloody-ooze coming out of him constantly.

Vet didn't say much, other than he's "doing great"

 

[Renee750il]

Abscesses aren't a lot of fun to take care of. The big yellow tomcat we had kept getting them (foxtails are evil). The vet would open it up, remove the foxtail, and then we'd have to clean it out, pack it with antibiotic and then re-dress it twice a day. Once when we had a camping trip to Disneyland planned. Gulliver and Mickey (my Terrier) went with us and chilled out in the camper while we were at the park, but the jaw abscess still got cleaned out twice a day. It was worse than giving a cat a pill

 

[JessLough]

3-4 day vet stay, surgery to remove a cyst, AND put 2 drains in, for $200?

I'm a little jealous.

 

[JessLough]

I hope he'll be feeling ok, I know you'll be happy to have your boy at home!

 

[MisssAshby]

3-4 day vet stay, surgery to remove a cyst, AND put 2 drains in, for $200?

I'm a little jealous.

Yeah, that. I would give my left arm and right leg if our recent bills had been that cheap. Hope your boy is home soon and giving you lots of love.

 

[JPuckett1989]

Well that 200 dollars I think is just for the surgery and antibiotics and stuff. Probably going to be closer to 300 after everything's all said and done. Which may seem cheap, but not when you bust your butt to bring home 1000 dollars a month.

 

[Renee750il]

The price is beyond reasonable, but even the most reasonable vet bill (or any unexpected expense) can be a huge hurdle when your income is hurting, and in the market today, that can happen to anyone.

Would you believe our vet even charged extra when it was time for Katy to be PTS (at 18+ years) . . . because she wasn't up to date on her shots?

 

[JPuckett1989]

wow thats pretty horrible Renee. Anything for a buck I guess..

The vet did tell us that they could work out a payment plan with us, and wouldn't be expected to pay it all in full.

In other news, charlie apparently managed to pull out one of the drains and apparently chewed it up and ate it. They said they will be watching his poops to make sure it passes ok if he indeed did swallow it.

Going to see him myself tomorrow morning (been busy with work and school). Will continue to keep yall updated.