Life for Timber in ICU has certainly had its ups and downs.  The beginning of the week started off with Timber having difficulty breathing.  X-rays were done, and it was discovered Timber had developed a pneumothorax, which is a serious condition where air accumulates in the space between the lung and chest wall, potentially causing breathing difficulties and even lung collapse. It can be caused by trauma, surgery, or underlying lung conditions.    We do not have a clue if trauma caused it prior to coming to us, but it is strange for it to show up two weeks later.  We wanted to do a CT Scan to best determine the cause, but Timber is not strong or stable enough to have anesthesia.   His breathing has improved and is no longer as labored, which we are taking as a positive sign.

Timber is finally past Re-Feeding Syndrome, which had hampered his ability to gain weight.  He is now at the point where he is getting 125% of his daily requirement, which will enable him to gain weight. Timber has not shown any signs of intolerance to the additional calories.  If anything, he is much brighter and has become more animated.  He is able to hold himself up for brief periods before tiring and needing help.  This morning was the first time he was able to take a few steps on his own and urinate.  Timber has had a urinary catheter since he arrived.  He has had to relearn how to urinate on his own without assistance.  
 

Our sweet boy has been in the ICU for two weeks. What started out as seeing if he would make it through the weekend has shown us his will to live was far greater than giving up.  Each day has brought more challenges and more heartbreak, seeing how abused and neglected this poor pup has been.  What he has endured to find humans who loved and cared for him is beyond heartbreak. Timber has gotten a lifetime of unconditional love in the two weeks we have had him. His bills are so high that I have long since passed the point of caring, and focusing on saving him has been our top priority.  Our hopes right now are that he will get strong enough to get out of the hospital and come to our Rehab Facility.  

Thanks for your patience in waiting for this update. I have posted some small snippets of Timber, taking a few steps.  He is eight pounds lighter than when he arrived.  His weight loss is due to massive parasite overload and fluid created from infection.  He has lost significant muscle mass due to his inability to move.  Over the last couple of days, we have seen a significant improvement in his ability to move around without assistance. That will be critical for him to survive.  We all know Timber is a Survivor.  His Journey to live Life surrounded by people who love and adore him has begun.  Thanks for making his Journey to Heal possible.