Our Miracle

Not long ago, it was looking like the end for our girl.  I was heart broken. I am very emotional as I write this post, because I feared I would never get the chance. I couldn't be happier to annouce that Bella is 99% heartworm free! (which is considered negative as her last dose of oral ivermectin will finish off the process)

The x rays showed much improvement overall.  The lungs are a whole lot clearer and the tangled vessels within them are settling down.  There is still a small bit of fluid.  The doctor is hopeful that they will continue to correct themselves over time.  Her heart, although smaller than before, has not returned to it's pre-heartworm state.  It likely never will.  It was so fiercely stretched out by the infestation, that the damage is irreparable. The good news is that she is not showing any clinical signs of cardiac disease.  We will monitor her now that she is off of restriction and see how she handles a more regular active lifestyle.  If there is no coughing or exercise intolerance, it will point to her being able to live a normal life.  She will still be listed as a special needs dog because any potential adopter will need to be aware of all that she has gone through and that there is the potential for heart problems to develop in the future.  Precautionary chest x rays at her annual exams will be highly recommended.  The doctor's best guess at life expectancy for her is 10 years.  Had she not contracted heartworm disease, it would likely be around 15 years but given her prognosis six weeks ago, I consider 10 years fantastic. She has her small size working in her favor (smaller dogs tend to live longer) as well as the mutt factor (mixes typically have fewer health issues than pure bred dogs). 

Bella is a true miracle dog.  She has beaten the odds that were greatly against her.  She has the chance to live a long, happy life.  Now we need to focus on finding her the perfect home.  She will not be an easy adoption.  If anyone knows somebody that would be a great match for Bella, please spread the word.  I will be very cautious in placing her. 

Words can not express my gratitude to everyone who has been supporting us these past two months.  All of the kind words, the prayers, and the donations for her medical expenses are what got us through this.  I am so incredibly thankful for Bella's extended foster family. 



 

 

 

The Moment of Truth

Today is the day that Bella goes in for her follow up heartworm test and x-rays!  I wanted to get this done prior to the holiday weekend in hopes that the news would be good and Bella would be able to enjoy her regained freedom!  Now the hurricane is barreling toward us and we will be stuck inside anyway!  We are hoping it passes by Saturday afternoon.  We are expecting to lose power tonight but I will try to get an update posted before that happens.  Everyone keep your fingers crossed for a clean bill of health! 

Bella - One month post treatment update

The good news is that Bella is feeling much better.  She has a healthy appetite and she has actually gained four pounds!  She is now at 26lbs.  We had our one month recheck this week and her level of microfilaria has gone down about 80%!  She got a dose of ivermectin and will almost surely be negative by our next month check up. 

The bad news is that as soon as we tapered down her steroid dose, she started coughing again.  This indicates that she still has a lot of inflammation in her lungs.  We are back on the steroids for the next month.   She is becoming more frustrated because as she regains her energy, she wants more than ever to be able to use it. She still has four weeks of restriction left.  I feel awful for her.  

I just can't say enough good about Bella.  What a trooper she has been through all of this.  She is the most well behaved dog that we have ever fostered.  She never makes a peep.  Although she is forced to spend the majority of her time isolated, she never cries, whines or barks.  She never chews or scratches at the door as most dogs would do if they were separated from the rest of the family so often.  Her self control is amazing and she wants nothing more than to please us. 

If it is in her future to be adopted, she will be a very special addition to a family.  I could picture her as a little girl's companion.  She would be the dog dressed in doll clothes with nail polish on and she would be perfectly content.  She would be a good jogging partner or hiker.  She is extremely smart  and focused so  she could also be great in agility, formal obedience, fly ball or even search and rescue.  One thing that she will absolutely need is to be a real member of the family.   Being "just a dog" will just not be enough. 

Right now, we are thankful that she made it through the most critical time, even with all odds against her.  We will concentrate on getting through the next month and continue to pray for good results on her follow up xrays.  If they show permanent heart or lung damage, we will need to reassess her long term prognosis and plans. 

Thanks again everyone for your kind words of support of our girl.  I wish you could all meet her.  You would all fall in love.