Thanks, madkow, Aki is finally home for good today & looking pretty good for all she's been through. We could only bring her home for the day on Saturday, but I was able to get her to eat little tuna & she rested better at the hospital over the weekend ('cause I think she knew she'd be home soon.)

The vet said he was quite surprised by her recovery & appearance, knowing all that she'd been through the last week. I got the feeling that everyone at the two hospitals felt like she had a slim chance of making it, but didn't want to let me know. I think even my hubby felt that way ( and I did too, but I just didn't want to go there.) I guess she surprised us all!

Sparks, I wish we knew what caused these things. I think a restricted diet is a good thing, but even the vets say they don't know what sets these bloats off. And it's with all large breeds, so anyone reading this with a big dog please be aware of the signs. Olivia, this means you!

;-)

We asked the vet about preventative surgery, but it seems to be 50/50 as far as professional opinion about that. I would tell anyone to consider the surgery if you are already having a female spayed, since they are already in the area. It's expensive, though. They can also operate on a male dog if they are already going under general anesthetic. But the vet said it doesn't guarantee a cure; they can still bloat after the surgery. Oh well.

Oohchild, I got my mom an akita puppy, she is 9 years old now...  My mother has her on a special diet and won't let me feed her table scraps because her vet warned her about akitas having stomach issues.   I hope all goes well, keep me informed...my mom is going crazy over here because of your post.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. and your akita.

Glad to hear it, Oohchild :)  I can't blame her for being embarrassed by the IV thing- I felt the same way when I had one!  We had a sick dog a few weeks ago too- she was pretty slow to recover from her spaying.  Amazing how they look so miserable, then within a few hours they're walking around with the other dogs, perfectly happy.

So, an update:

Looks like we're out of the woods. She's very alert & drinking water, her tests all look good, she just has an elevated white count. The vet wants to keep her one more night on IV antibiotics, so we'll take her home tomorrow. She's not eating yet (I went over yesterday to try to get her to eat something from my hand, but she's pretty picky & didn't like any of the dog foods they offered.) She looks pretty funny when they bring her in to see me; they have one of those IV wheelie stands like they have on TV with her medicine hung on it. She just looks kinda embarrassed having that contraption trail behind her...

I'm sure she'll get her appetite back once she's home. Besides, she was looking like a little fireplug lately & could stand to lose some weight...just like me...

Have a good holiday weekend, everyone!

Thanks all...

I just got an update from the vet & she's alert & doing well. No heart problems. I'm hoping she stays stable so we don't have to take her back down to Bakes for overnight observation. I'm going to try to leave work & see her around 4 pm.

Umph, weebles, you got that right! AEUC makes sure you pay up front: we left a deposit of $2500, but got back a small refund!

I'm surprised our other dog isn't more anxious without her around. He's taking it very well...hmm....maybe too well....

;-)

You poor thing...for pet people, there are few things worse than having the fur-kid get sick in the middle of the night and you not knowing what's happening.

I'm sure she will be fine..followed by you being sick after seeing the bill :o)  But, such is life when you have quads.

Wow, that's great that you caught it in time.  Good luck, and I hope she gets better soon!  Maybe you can try to catch up on some sleep...

oohchild - my thoughts are with you and your "little girl". The waiting is the worst, I know. Keep us posted...