I am doing my best to stay on top of the pups at Noah’s Ark Rescue and keep everyone informed about Timber, as he is in Critical Condition.
Last night was a bit of a rollercoaster with Timber, but by the end, he seemed more lively than he has in a while! At one point, his glucose level dropped significantly, so he was given a bolus of dextrose to help him recover. He also had signs of re-feeding syndrome when his albumin dropped too low.
His Surgical and ER Team decided he was not strong enough to undergo the surgery they had originally planned for today. His vitals indicated he would not survive anesthesia. It was determined that Timber would benefit from another transfusion, and a unit of plasma after his transfusion. His calorie intake was also increased throughout the day, which he was able to tolerate.
The Surgical Team and their Specialists have determined that they need to debride the necrotic tissue and remove any foreign matter for Timber to have the best possible chance of survival. Their plan tomorrow, if he continues to improve, is to debride the tissue on his back. The large ulcers will be cleaned, opened, and dead tissue removed. Debridement is a crucial step in wound care as it promotes healing by removing barriers to tissue regeneration and reducing the risk of infection.
Timber’s team believes that he is more alert and brighter than he has been since his arrival. His first transfusion was what his body needed, but it was not enough to perk him up with everything else going on in his body. Tonight, he is definitely brighter. He is getting lots of small meals with a higher calorie count, which can also be perking him up. His glucose levels have also remained stable since last night.
The other critical element in any animal’s Will to Live is being surrounded by Veterinarians, Surgeons, and veterinary technicians who adore each animal they are caring for. Timber is surrounded by people who love him unconditionally. His recovery is a team effort that would not be possible without the dedicated staff at CVRC. It has never been about the money with them. It has always been about the animal’s quality of Life, which is why we use them for every animal.
I would call today a WIN for Timber. I greatly appreciate everyone’s love and support. I always say, it takes one evil person to damage an animal and a Village to save them after the abuse. Thanks for being our Village and Timber’s Lifeline. I hope this update brings you comfort, knowing everything that could possibly be done for Timber is being done. If he died tomorrow, he would know what a Lifetime of unconditional Love feels like.
